What does "molding" mean?
The act or process of shaping in or on a mold, or of making molds; the art or occupation of a molder.
Molding
/ˈmoʊl.dɪŋ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act or process of shaping in or on a mold, or of making molds; the art or occupation of a molder.
- Grammar: molding is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: border, casting, mold, mould.
- Useful contrasts: deform, demolding, destroy.
- Usage evidence: Instead of using standard injection molding to make products, the Carbon 3-D company uses light and oxygen to shape objects.
How to use "molding"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "molding" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "molding" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "molding" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "molding" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "molding" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "border" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "molding", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act or process of shaping in or on a mold, or of making molds; the art or occupation of a molder. US, countable, uncountable
- 2 the act of creating something by casting it in a mold wordnet
- 3 Anything cast in a mold, or which appears to be so, as grooved or ornamental bars of wood or metal. US, countable, uncountable
- 4 a preliminary sculpture in wax or clay from which a finished work can be copied wordnet
- 5 A plane, or curved, narrow surface, either sunk or projecting, used for decoration by means of the lights and shades upon its surface and to conceal joints, especially between unlike materials. US, countable, uncountable
"A fine-scale denticulated molding in the cornice, repeated elsewhere in the exterior wood trim, lends an air of exceptional richness and refinement."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 sculpture produced by molding wordnet
- 7 A planing machine for making moldings. US, countable, uncountable
- 8 a decorative recessed or relieved surface on an edge wordnet
- 9 A machine to assist in making molds for castings. US, countable, uncountable
- 10 a decorative strip used for ornamentation or finishing wordnet
- 11 A mill for shaping timber. US, countable, uncountable
- 12 A kind of sand containing clay, used in making molds. US, countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of mold US, form-of, gerund, participle, present
Antonyms
Example
"Instead of using standard injection molding to make products, the Carbon 3-D company uses light and oxygen to shape objects."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "molding"?
Common synonyms include: border, casting, mold, mould, anaglyptics, anaglyptography.
How do you use "molding" in a sentence?
Instead of using standard injection molding to make products, the Carbon 3-D company uses light and oxygen to shape objects.
How do you pronounce "molding"?
Pronounced /ˈmoʊl.dɪŋ/.
Etymology
From Middle English moldyng; equivalent to mold + -ing.