molding

noun

mold·​ing ˈmōl-diŋ How to pronounce molding (audio)
1
: an object produced by molding
2
a
: a decorative recessed or relieved surface
b
: a decorative plane or curved strip used for ornamentation or finishing

Illustration of molding

Illustration of molding
  • 1 fillet and fascia
  • 2 torus
  • 3 reeding
  • 4 cavetto
  • 5 scotia
  • 6 congé
  • 7 beak

Examples of molding in a Sentence

The house has beautiful moldings around its doors and windows.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Think layers of molding on the mantel, picture molding on the chimney, decorative tile, maybe even some corbels. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025 At the heart of the 15,000 square feet of living space is a soaring double-height atrium wrapped in detailed cherrywood paneling and surrounded by a series of formal salons, each with original murals, moldings, and paneling. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025 Some have stripes of rough stone, others have rows of dentil molding. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 7 Oct. 2025 One of the layers includes Purple’s own proprietary GelFlex Grid, aimed to feel both soft and firm—molding to your pressure points, while still offering optimal support. Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for molding

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of molding was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Molding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molding. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

molding

noun
mold·​ing ˈmōl-diŋ How to pronounce molding (audio)
1
a
: the act or work of a person who molds
b
: an object produced by molding
2
: a strip of material having a shaped surface and used as a decoration (as on a wall or the edge of a table)

Medical Definition

molding

noun
mold·​ing
variants or chiefly British moulding
: an act or process of molding
specifically : the shaping of the fetal head to allow it to pass through the birth canal during childbirth

More from Merriam-Webster on molding

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