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.

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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

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

He hit play on his phone and began to pop and lock and, yes, attempt to moonwalk on the carpet.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2025

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

They’re jamming like nobody’s business, forcing me to two-step, spin, and moonwalk my way to the plantain tent.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer