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mold

noun (1)
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\ ˈmōld How to pronounce mold (audio) \
plural molds

Definition of mold

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1a : a cavity in which a substance is shaped: such as
(1) : a matrix for casting metal a bullet mold
(2) : a form in which food is given a decorative shape
b : a molded object
2a : prototype
b : a fixed pattern : design
c obsolete : an example to be followed
3 : distinctive nature or character : type
4 : the frame on or around which an object is constructed
5 : molding

mold

verb (1)
molded; molding; molds

Definition of mold (Entry 2 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to knead or work (a material, such as dough or clay) into a desired consistency or shape
2 : to form in a mold mold candles
3 : to determine or influence the quality or nature of mold public opinion
4 : to give shape to the wind molds the waves
5 : to fit the contours of fitted skirts that mold the hips
6 : to ornament with molding or carving molded picture frames

mold

noun (2)
plural molds

Definition of mold (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : a superficial often woolly growth produced especially on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms by a fungus (as of the order Mucorales)
2 : a fungus that produces mold

mold

verb (2)
molded; molding; molds

Definition of mold (Entry 4 of 5)

intransitive verb

: to become moldy

mold

noun (3)
plural molds

Definition of mold (Entry 5 of 5)

1 : crumbling soft friable earth suited to plant growth : soil especially : soil rich in humus — compare leaf mold
2 dialectal British
a : the surface of the earth : ground
b : the earth of the burying ground
3 archaic : earth that is the substance of the human body Be merciful, great Duke, to men of mold.— William Shakespeare
Other Words from mold Phrases Containing mold Learn More About mold

Other Words from mold

Verb (1)

moldable \ ˈmōl-​də-​bəl How to pronounce mold (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of mold

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for mold

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French molde, alteration of Old French modle, from Latin modulus, diminutive of modus measure — more at mete

Noun (2)

Middle English mowlde, perhaps alteration of mowle, from moulen to grow moldy, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Danish mul mold

Noun (3)

Middle English, from Old English molde; akin to Old High German molta soil, Latin molere to grind — more at meal

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Time Traveler for mold

Time Traveler

The first known use of mold was before the 12th century

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Dictionary Entries Near mold

molave

mold

Mold

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Cite this Entry

“Mold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mold. Accessed 8 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for mold

mold

noun
\ ˈmōld How to pronounce mold (audio) \

Kids Definition of mold

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1 : a hollow form in which something is shaped Make a candle by pouring wax in a mold.
2 : something shaped in a mold a mold of gelatin

mold

verb
molded; molding

Kids Definition of mold (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : to work and press into shape We learned how to mold clay.
2 : to shape in a hollow form
3 : to influence or affect the character of Parents try to mold their children into responsible adults.

mold

noun

Kids Definition of mold (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : an often fuzzy surface growth of fungus on damp or decaying material
2 : a fungus that forms mold

mold

verb
molded; molding

Kids Definition of mold (Entry 4 of 5)

: to become moldy The old bread began to mold.

mold

noun

Kids Definition of mold (Entry 5 of 5)

: light rich crumbly earth that contains decaying material

mold

noun
variants: or chiefly British mould \ ˈmōld How to pronounce mold (audio) \

Medical Definition of mold

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: a cavity in which a fluid or malleable substance is shaped

mold

transitive verb
variants: or chiefly British mould

Medical Definition of mold (Entry 2 of 4)

: to give shape to especially in a mold

mold

intransitive verb
variants: or chiefly British mould

Medical Definition of mold (Entry 3 of 4)

: to become moldy

mold

noun
variants: or chiefly British mould

Medical Definition of mold (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : a superficial often woolly growth produced by a fungus especially on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms
2 : a fungus (as of the order Mucorales) that produces mold

Mold geographical name

\ ˈmōld How to pronounce Mold (audio) \

Definition of Mold

town in northeastern Wales south-southwest of Liverpool, England population 10,000

More from Merriam-Webster on mold

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mold

Nglish: Translation of mold for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of mold for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mold

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