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

And throughout, classical moldings complement the original grey marble mantles along with six-panel doors and triple sash windows. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 May 2025

The home’s original plaster moldings were restored during the renovation to balance the bountiful ceiling heights and the standout chandelier. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025

The living room has a cozy fireplace; there are sash windows throughout; and wood moldings painted white accent the hallway and rooms. —Roxana Popescu, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

Jochen Mueller's lab provided expertise in silicone molding, allowing the team to use their lab to 3D-print their spider robot's flexible joints. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 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