molding

1 of 2

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

molding

2 of 2

present participle of mold entry 2, mold entry 4

Examples of molding in a Sentence

Noun

The house has beautiful moldings around its doors and windows.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There are high coffered ceilings and hardwood floors and moldings galore. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Oct. 2026

The signature restaurant, Le Pressoir d’Argent, is a stunner with a rocaille decor (seashells set into elaborate plaster moldings) and a sublime seafood menu. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026

The interior swims in faded blues, mint greens and powdery neutrals with neoclassical moldings, offset by black lacquer, frosted glass, mosaics and polished metal. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Working with the local firm Dvira Interiors, the owners turned the 12,000-square-foot residence into an elegant home that takes advantage of refined touches like ornate decorative moldings and brushed bronze and satin gold fixtures. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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