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

Today, The Marlton’s history shines through in every room, from the crown molding behind the beds to the marquee above the entrance. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026

The house’s marble fireplaces, ceiling medallions, pocket doors, moldings, door handles and staircase are all original, as well as the two ornate chandeliers in the parlors which were designed to be operated first with kerosene, then gas and finally electricity. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

Custom paneling, molding, and iron doors were added throughout. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026

In the past, interior textures were used to cover up defects in the molding process. —Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026

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