moldy

adjective

ˈmōl-dē 

moldier; moldiest

1

: of, resembling, or covered with mold

2

a

: being old and moldering : crumbling

b

: antiquated, fusty

moldy tradition

moldiness noun

Examples of moldy in a Sentence

Her books became moldy after being left in a damp basement.

The wine had a slightly moldy aroma.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, Vallo says that the lack of ventilation in plastic containers causes fruits to get moldy and mushy because of the moisture buildup. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025

Even if a single berry is moldy, leaky, or shriveled, this could mean the berries are not fresh or juicy at all, says Hall. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025

Consider turning stale bread into breadcrumbs, stuffing, or croutons—but check for moldy slices first. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Dec. 2025

Rene' Nail joked about how moldy clothes that had been in the washing machine might be on Sunday after the cycle stopped when power was shut down on Wednesday. —Alan Gionet, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for moldy

• mouldy
• soldi

Kids Definition

moldy

adjective

ˈmōl-dē 

moldier; moldiest

: resembling, containing, or covered with mold

moldiness noun

Medical Definition

moldy

adjective

variants or chiefly British mouldy

ˈmōl-dē 

moldier or chiefly British mouldier; mouldiest

: covered with a mold-producing fungus

moldy bread