mold

¹ American  

[mohld] / moʊld /

especially British, mould

noun

1. a hollow form or matrix for giving a particular shape to something in a molten or plastic state.

2. the shape created or imparted to a thing by a mold.

3. something formed in or on a mold.

   a mold of jelly.

4. a frame on which something is formed or made.

5. shape or form.

6. a prototype, example, or precursor.

7. a distinctive nature, character, or type.

   a person of a simple mold.

8. Shipbuilding.

   1. a three-dimensional pattern used to shape a plate after it has been softened by heating.

   2. a template for a frame.

9. Architecture.

   1. a molding.

   2. a group of moldings.

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verb (used with object)

1. to work into a required shape or form; shape.

2. to shape or form in or on a mold.

3. Metallurgy. to form a mold of or from, in order to make a casting.

4. to produce by or as if by shaping material; form.

5. to have influence in determining or forming.

   to mold the character of a child.

6. to ornament with moldings.

mold ² American  

[mohld] / moʊld /

especially British, mould

noun

1. a growth of minute fungi forming on vegetable or animal matter, commonly as a downy or furry coating, and associated with decay or dampness.

2. any of the fungi that produce such a growth.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to become or cause to become overgrown or covered with mold.

mold ³ American  

[mohld] / moʊld /

especially British, mould

noun

1. loose, friable earth, especially when rich in organic matter and favorable to the growth of plants.

2. British Dialect. ground; earth.

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mold British  

/ məʊld /

noun

1. the US spelling of mould 1

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mold Idioms  

1. see cast in the same mold.

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Other Word Forms

• moldability noun
• moldable adjective
• mouldability noun
• mouldable adjective

Etymology

Origin of mold¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English noun molde, moulde “pattern, model, mold,” from Anglo-French molde, from Old French molle, modle, moule, from Latin modulus “standard unit (of measurement)”; the verb is derivative of the noun; see also mode

Origin of mold²

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English moulde, molde, apparently noun use of variant of earlier (i)mouled, moueld, past participle of moule(n), muhlen “to grow moldy, spoil, rot”; from Old Norse; compare Old Icelandic mygla, Swedish mögla, both meaning “to become moldy”

Origin of mold³

First recorded before 900; Middle English molde, moulde, mulde “dirt, loose earth, soil; earth or soil of a grave,” Old English molde “dust, sand, earth, the earth”; cognate with Gothic mulda “dust,” Old Icelandic mold “earth, mold,” Old High German molta “dust”; akin to meal ², mill ¹

Explanation

That green fungus growing on your bread is called mold — use it as a science experiment if you want to, but you definitely shouldn't plan on eating it. Mold grows where there is damp, decaying organic matter. A mold is also a container that certain foods or materials — like gelatin, chocolate, wax or concrete — can be poured into. When the food or material sets, it will keep the shape of the mold. If you pour red and blue gelatin into molds shaped like stars, you'll have a great patriotic dessert for the Fourth of July. As a verb, mold can mean to influence. Good teachers mold their students' interests and passions.

Example Sentences

The story of his death broke the show’s mold, unfolding in nonlinear fashion.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

“The Bachelorette” acknowledged this in its way with this season’s tagline: “If you don’t fit the mold, break it.”

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

Jerry Bruckheimer has been making big movies that mold pop culture since his 1980s streak of “Flashdance,” “Top Gun” and “Beverly Hills Cop.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

While directors help mold the work, the writer retains ultimate authority.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

Ranofer snatched the stones that protected his hands and began pouring the metal into the mold he had oiled to receive it.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Related Words

• construct
• forge
• sculpt