molt

American  

[mohlt] / moʊlt /

especially British, moult

verb (used without object)

1. (of birds, insects, reptiles, etc.) to cast or shed the feathers, skin, or the like, that will be replaced by a new growth.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cast or shed (feathers, skin, etc.) in the process of renewal.

noun

1. an act, process, or an instance of molting.

2. something that is dropped in molting.

molt British  

/ məʊlt /

verb

1. the usual US spelling of moult

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molt Scientific  

/ mōlt /

1. To shed an outer covering, such as skin or feathers, for replacement by a new growth. Many snakes, birds, and arthropods molt.

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Other Word Forms

• molter noun

Etymology

Origin of molt

1300–50; earlier mout (with intrusive -l-; fault, assault ), Middle English mouten, Old English -mūtian to change (in bi-mūtian to exchange for) < Latin mūtāre to change; mutate

Example Sentences

They molt multiple times, eventually becoming something less shrimpy and more lobsterlike, called a megalopa.

From Slate • Aug. 19, 2025

However, larger species such as great horned owls tend to molt slower, and can take two or more years to replace all their feathers.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2025

After years underground, periodical cicadas — insects of the genus Magicicada — are emerging by the trillions across more than a dozen states to molt, sing, court and mate.

From New York Times • May 8, 2024

Mr. Rave says that after the eggs hatch, many of the mothers go off to molt.

From NewsForKids.net • May 7, 2024

Father cited scientific proof that birds often molt during hot weather.

From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord