molding

1 of 2

noun

mold·​ing ˈmōl-diŋ How to pronounce molding (audio)
Synonyms of moldingnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
What if someone spilled a drink on the wood floors, or bumped against the plaster molding? — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 The five frames are available now, though the collaboration is just getting started; the collection will later expand with an additional 10 moldings for a total of 15 offerings. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026 René designed the molding, doors, and cabinetry with architect Ken Pieper, working from more than 20 pages of custom millwork plans. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026 The main residence, the Greek Revival mansion, spans 13,500 square feet and features ornate millwork and moldings. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for molding

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of molding was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing molding

Rhymes for molding

See All Rhymes for molding

Browse Nearby Words

moldiness
molding
molding book
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Molding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molding. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

molding

noun
mold·​ing ˈmōl-diŋ How to pronounce molding (audio)
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 How to pronounce molding (audio)
: an act or process of molding
specifically : the shaping of the fetal head to allow it to pass through the birth canal during childbirth

More from Merriam-Webster on molding

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for molding

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about molding

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