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

After almost 140 years, some of the home’s original remaining features include the casework moldings, gas fireplaces, bay windows, and quarter-sawn oak flooring with cherry banding. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024

Use a dust brush attachment to protect molding, both high and low, and an extension wand to reach ceilings. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024

Guests will be able to experience the historic design through stone façade, grand hall murals, stained glass, arched windows, and decorative molding, all of which were carefully preserved and enhanced. —Emma Kershaw, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Give it a good cleaning, including the baseboards and the molding. —Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing molding

• bed molding
• crown molding
• injection molding

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