An Encylopedia Britannica Company

October 17, 2021 Word of the Day

mold /ˈmoʊld/ verb
mold
/ˈmoʊld/
verb

or British mould molds; molded; molding

A pair of hands molding clay
A pair of hands molding clay
Definition of MOLD

1 a [+ object] : to form or press (something, such as wax, plastic, clay, or dough) into a particular shape

  • mold dough into loaves of bread

1 b [+ object] : to make (something) from a material that has been formed or pressed

  • mold loaves of bread

  • She gave her mother a tiny statue that she molded from clay.

  • The mountains were molded [=formed, shaped] by the glaciers over thousands of years.

2 [+ object] : to make (something) by pouring or pressing material (such as wax or plastic) into a mold

  • The art class spent its time molding candles.

  • mold plastic toys

  • a molded plastic chair

3 [+ object] : to create, influence, or affect the character of (someone or something)

  • She has dedicated her life to teaching and molding young children into responsible adults.

  • molding young minds

  • He took a struggling company and molded it into something special.

4 [no object] : to fit to the shape of something

  • This new mattress pad will mold to your body [=it will change its shape to fit your body] when you sleep on it.

  • The fabric is thin and flexible and will mold to your shape.

molder (US) noun, plural molders

  • He sees himself as a molder of world events.

  • a molder of young minds

More Words of the Day