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

The red accent wall includes the floor molding and may not suit all tastes. —Heather Senison, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

The 1914 Beaux-Arts mansion by Carrère and Hastings, crammed to the moldings with masterpieces from the Renaissance through the early 20th century, needed to work better for visitors and for the art. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 25 Mar. 2025

Of the several homes for sale in the building, Residence 5N is listed for $6.1 million and offers both modern living alongside exceptionally ornate, detailed moldings and carved pilasters. —Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

On the main floor, the library features rich mahogany moldings, and the grand dining room is wrapped in de Gournay silk and embroidered wallpaper. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 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