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

Each room is filled with 19th and 20th century antiques sourced from Round Top, Texas; London; Paris, and New York City and English-style moldings and custom cases and cabinetry from London are found throughout. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025

At 16-Across, for instance, [Frame, apron, molding, etc.] are examples of WINDOW TRIM. —Sam Corbin, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025

Email Patricia Lynch Smith appreciated the home’s patina and renovated to preserve original floors, moldings, and fireplaces. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 1 Apr. 2025

Features like symmetrical facades, Corinthian columns, and intricate moldings create a regal atmosphere. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 3 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