moldy

1 of 2

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

moldiness

2 of 2

noun

mold·​i·​ness

variants or mouldiness

ˈmōldēnə̇s

plural -es

: the quality or state of being moldy

Examples of moldy in a Sentence

Adjective

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

The wine had a slightly moldy aroma.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

It’s also recommended to avoid fruits and vegetables that may be bruised, damaged or moldy. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

When cleaning moldy areas, always wear a mask, gloves, and protective eyewear to prevent irritation from the spores. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 July 2026

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, 13 July 2026

The inspector found moldy peppers in the cooler, a black and pink substance in the ice machine and meatloaf stored at an unsafe temperature. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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