molding

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

Examples of molding in a Sentence

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.
That substance shows up in the little things that elevate a big house into a memorable one — intricate millwork, triple crown molding and custom touches that give the home a cohesive, old-world richness rather than a patchwork of trends. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Every surface is elaborate, from the decorative brass door handles to the intricate ceiling moldings that frame each room like a jewel box. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 Much of the original craftsmanship remains, from the fireplaces and ornate tile work to the woodwork and molding that first caught Hill’s attention. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 Michaels offers more than 250 frame options, and more than 450 molding and mat combinations. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for molding

Word History

First Known Use

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 13 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of molding for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about molding

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