waning moon

American  

noun

1. the moon at any time after the full moon and before the new moon, so called because its illuminated area is decreasing.

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Usage

What is a waning moon? The moon is called a waning moon when it is in the phase in which its visible surface area is getting smaller. A waning moon occurs between a full moon (when the visible surface is fully round and lit up) and a new moon (when the surface that faces Earth is completely covered in shadow). To wane is to decrease in some way. A moon is any natural satellite that orbits a planet, and the moon is Earth’s only natural satellite. While the moon could be said to be a waning moon at any time between a full moon and a new moon, a waning moon is frequently depicted as a crescent shape.

Etymology

Origin of waning moon

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Compare meaning

How does waning-moon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• waxing vs. waning moon
• waxing moon vs. waning moon

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

waning moon

She added that unlike most Jewish holidays, which start on the full moon, Hanukkah begins on the waning moon and continues through the dark moon.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 20, 2022

He arrived at Ada Bible Church in Cascade, Mich., at 5:50 a.m., first in a line of about 70 voters that stretched along the edge of the parking lot under a waning moon.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 3, 2020

The waning moon approaches the ringed planet on the morning of April 15, and visits April 16-17.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 1, 2017

The stadium was visible in silhouette, like a waning moon.

From New York Times ● May 27, 2013

I got up from behind the hedge in the waning moon, wet and shaken in the hot air and started out looking for Jack, still turned around in my direction.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison