waxing moon

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of waxing moon¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Look up, for the waxing moon passing over Orion’s head in the night sky.

From Washington Post

It was a cold October evening, with a waxing moon, and a wind that was rapidly bringing the dead leaves to earth.

From Project Gutenberg

A waxing moon, half-full, rode near the zenith; and as the light of day receded it took on a surprising brilliance.

From Project Gutenberg

And it was now so bright that the waxing moon seemed but a pale yellow ghost of itself, hanging huge in the sunset.

From Project Gutenberg

She looked for the sun and found he had gone, and overhead and growing brighter was the waxing moon.

From Project Gutenberg

That night the fires burnt high and fierce, as the waxing moon set, and the lion left the crouching women and children in peace.

From Project Gutenberg