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

Inside, additional period details like the millwork and moldings have been preserved, making some rooms feel like museum-worthy spaces. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2025

The working factory educates visitors about the handmade process of molding and melting copper to create functional artwork, tea cups, cutlery, and various decorative furniture pieces. —Malik Peay, Them., 15 Dec. 2025

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