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

Examples of molding in a Sentence

The house has beautiful moldings around its doors and windows.

Recent Examples on the Web

The 9,000-square-foot, two-floor BlueHouse is an ode to the Big Apple’s Art Deco design scheme, complete with decorative molding, brass accents, and, of course, touches of blue throughout. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

Low humidity also protects wood floors, furniture, and walls from cracking, molding, and peeling. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2025

Now part of the Musei Reali, the palace’s royal apartments—replete with crystal chandeliers, ceiling frescoes, gilded moldings, and antiques—have been opened up to the public. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2025

The living room is lovely with its wood molding, gas fireplace, and staircase with a skylight. —Katie McDonough, Curbed, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing molding

• bed molding
• crown molding
• injection molding

Rhymes for molding

• folding
• holding
• moulding
• scolding
• beholding
• enfolding
• landholding
• refolding
• shareholding
• slaveholding
• stockholding
• unfolding

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