molding

noun

mold·​ing ˈmōl-diŋ 

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

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

Example Sentences

The house has beautiful moldings around its doors and windows.

Recent Examples on the Web

Unique, opulent designs are key elements throughout the home, which offers spacious rooms, high ceilings, elegant marble fireplaces, ornate moldings and an abundance of natural light. —Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 28 May 2023

Depending on preference, the extra padding and molding might not be ideal for larger busts The Spanx Up For Anything Strapless Bra is specifically designed with Spanx SmartGrip technology and With Me tape to keep the bra band in place for long wear. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 25 May 2023

The trim, moldings and pocket doors in the living room and library are American chestnut. —Joanne Kempinger Demski, Journal Sentinel, 25 May 2023

At the top of a window or door, cut off all but the face of the trim flush with the existing top molding, and nail the trim in place. —Merle Henkenius, Popular Mechanics, 2 May 2023

In a determined effort to age the structure, Carter refaced fireplaces, removed every extraneous molding, and added more beams. —Jura Koncius, ELLE Decor, 2 Feb. 2023

Vents become lines, moldings become negative spaces. —Krystal Chang, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2023

To honor the house's history while also adding one-of-a-kind detailing, designer Wesley Moon brought in custom plaster molding created in collaboration with Hyde Park Mouldings. 16 17 Trellises are trending outdoors, too. —House Beautiful, 12 May 2023

This soothing retreat in the former home of an aristocrat has sculptural molding and tiled marble flooring, brightened by sky-blue walls (Farrow & Ball’s Skylight). —Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 11 May 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing molding

• crown molding
• bed molding
• injection molding

• crown molding
• bed molding
• injection molding

Kids Definition

molding

noun

mold·​ing ˈmōl-diŋ 

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

ˈmōl-diŋ 

: an act or process of molding

specifically : the shaping of the fetal head to allow it to pass through the birth canal during childbirth