mold

1 of 5

noun (1)

ˈmōld 

plural molds

1

a

: a cavity in which a substance is shaped: such as

(1)

: a matrix for casting metal

a bullet mold

(2)

: a form in which food is given a decorative shape

b

: a molded object

2

a

: prototype

b

: a fixed pattern : design

c

obsolete : an example to be followed

3

: distinctive nature or character : type

4

: the frame on or around which an object is constructed

5

: molding

mold

2 of 5

verb (1)

molded; molding; molds

transitive verb

1

: to knead or work (a material, such as dough or clay) into a desired consistency or shape

2

: to form in a mold

mold candles

3

: to determine or influence the quality or nature of

mold public opinion

4

: to give shape to

the wind molds the waves

5

: to fit the contours of

fitted skirts that mold the hips

6

: to ornament with molding or carving

molded picture frames

moldable

ˈmōl-də-bəl 

adjective

mold

3 of 5

noun (2)

plural molds

1

: a superficial often woolly growth produced especially on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms by a fungus (as of the order Mucorales)

2

: a fungus that produces mold

mold

4 of 5

verb (2)

molded; molding; molds

intransitive verb

: to become moldy

mold

5 of 5

noun (3)

plural molds

1

: crumbling soft friable earth suited to plant growth : soil

especially : soil rich in humus compare leaf mold

2

dialectal British

a

: the surface of the earth : ground

b

: the earth of the burying ground

3

archaic : earth that is the substance of the human body

Be merciful, great Duke, to men of mold.

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

Verb (2)

• break down
• corrupt
• decay
• decompose
• disintegrate
• fester
• foul
• molder
• perish [chiefly British]
• putrefy
• rot
• spoil

Noun (3)

• clod
• dirt
• earth
• ground
• soil

Examples of mold in a Sentence

Verb (2)

plants molding in the abandoned garden

Noun (3)

mold so rich that just about anything will grow in it

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Instead, Taylor-Joy settled on wearing a prosthetic bald cap molded to her scalp. —Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 7 May 2024

This superpower, molded by experience, repetition, and intention, enables the brain to form new circuits, and to prune away old ones which no longer serve us. —Dr. James R. Doty, TIME, 7 May 2024

The sand gown was molded for her exact shape–it also was worn with a kitschy hourglass accessory. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 May 2024

With each new path, Wiley collected information that helped mold him into an NFL prospect. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 May 2024

As the global games approach this summer, there are other similarities – and opportunities to mold and meld greatness across eras. —Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 May 2024

Both were molded by college baseball coaching legend Augie Garrido, a firebrand who finished his career at Texas and passed away in 2018. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 2 May 2024

Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama, Sr., 6-3, 251 The right NFL defensive coordinator could mold this premium ball of clay (a former five-star recruit) into a Pro Bowler. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024

At 6-6, 278 pounds, Cole looks the part and could be molded into an effective NFL edge rusher. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2024

Noun

From cockroaches and rat droppings to mold and yellow slime, Sacramento County health inspectors can encounter some eyebrow-raising conditions at local restaurants. —Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 9 May 2024

To pull off such feats, the pair employ plastic molds made with the help of 3-D printers. —Alexa Brazilian Mari Maeda and Yuji Oboshi, New York Times, 9 May 2024

This area in eastern Victoria receives a little less rainfall on average than Burgundy (33.8 inches vs 35.4) and is also just slightly warmer on average, two conditions that aid in ripeness and help to avoid mold and other pests. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 May 2024

The intensity of the sun can degrade many materials over time, while the humidity and frequent rains can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew. —Sara Kendall, Miami Herald, 7 May 2024

Other common issues in Jackson County rentals include mold and mildew, which can lead to asthma and respiratory problems, and peeling or chipping paint, which can cause harmful lead exposure. —Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2024

Wet leaves in the cool hours are susceptible to molds and mildew. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2024

Societal norms restricted personal exploration and self-expression, forcing us into preset molds with few alternatives. —Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2024

This show established a new mold for daytime talk programs with its audience participation and exploration of thought-provoking topics and controversial issues, featuring high-profile figures in media. —Joey Garrison, The Enquirer, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French molde, alteration of Old French modle, from Latin modulus, diminutive of modus measure — more at mete

Noun (2)

Middle English mowlde, perhaps alteration of mowle, from moulen to grow moldy, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Danish mul mold

Noun (3)

Middle English, from Old English molde; akin to Old High German molta soil, Latin molere to grind — more at meal

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mold

• blue mold
• bread mold
• break the mold
• (cast) in the same mold as
• fit (into/in) the mold of
• green mold
• leaf mold
• pre-mold
• slime mold
• sooty mold
• They broke the mold
• water mold

Kids Definition

mold

1 of 5 noun

ˈmōld 

: light rich crumbly earth that contains decaying matter (as leaves)

mold

2 of 5 noun

1

: the frame on, around, or in which something is constructed or shaped

a candle mold

2

: something shaped in a mold

a mold of gelatin

mold

3 of 5 verb

1

: to work and press into shape

mold loaves of bread

2

: to form in a mold

3

: to determine or influence the character of

mold a child's mind

moldable

ˈmōl-də-bəl 

adjective

molder noun

mold

4 of 5 verb

: to become moldy

mold

5 of 5 noun

1

: an often fuzzy surface growth of fungus especially on damp or decaying matter

2

: a fungus that produces mold

Etymology

Noun

Old English molde "rich soil"

Noun

Middle English mold "special nature of something, frame on which something is formed," from early French molde (same meaning), from Latin modulus "form, measure"

Verb

Middle English moulen "to become moldy"

Medical Definition

mold

1 of 4 noun

variants or chiefly British mould

ˈmōld 

: a cavity in which a fluid or malleable substance is shaped

mold

2 of 4 transitive verb

variants or chiefly British mould

: to give shape to especially in a mold

mold

3 of 4 intransitive verb

variants or chiefly British mould

: to become moldy

mold

4 of 4 noun

variants or chiefly British mould

1

: a superficial often woolly growth produced by a fungus especially on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms

2

: a fungus (as of the order Mucorales) that produces mold

Geographical Definition

Mold

geographical name

ˈmōld 

town in northeastern Wales south-southwest of Liverpool, England population 10,000