moonwalk

American  

[moon-wawk] / ˈmunˌwɔk /

noun

1. an exploratory walk by an astronaut on the surface of the moon.

2. a dance move in which the dancer appears to slide backwards involuntarily while making the motions of walking forward, an illusion achieved by rising onto the ball of one foot, which bears the weight, while sliding the other foot backwards in a flat position, and alternating this step between feet.

---

verb (used without object)

1. (of an astronaut) to walk on the surface of the moon.

2. to perform the moonwalk dance move.

Other Word Forms

• moonwalker noun

Etymology

Origin of moonwalk

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; moon + walk

Example Sentences

Jaafar is lit up with Michael’s gleaming eyes and smile and he can moonwalk.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

After roughly 85 years of television in American homes, viewers have collectively shared historical triumphs and unthinkable tragedies, from Neil Armstrong’s moonwalk in 1969 to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

At the O2, that pain seemed a distant memory, as he careened around the U-shaped stage on roller skates, pulling off a flawless moonwalk, and even freeze-framing in a handstand.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2025

I decided to ham it up, doing my best Michael Jackson moonwalk, pumicing my bare feet as I dragged them awkwardly across concrete.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2023

“Like it would be like one of those inflatable moonwalk machines, except for always.”

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green