The term "quarter-moon" refers to the shape of the moon when it is a quarter of the way through its monthly cycle. There are several other synonyms or alternative phrases that can be used to describe the same shape of the moon. These include half-moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, and gibbous moon. Half-moon is used to describe the shape of the moon when it is halfway through its monthly cycle, whereas waxing crescent is used to describe the shape of the moon when it is still in the early stages of its cycle. First quarter and gibbous moon are both used to describe the shape of the moon when it is in its second quarter.