mould
1 Britishnoun
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a shaped cavity used to give a definite form to fluid or plastic material
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a frame on which something may be constructed
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something shaped in or made on a mould
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shape, form, design, or pattern
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specific nature, character, or type
heroic mould
verb
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to make in a mould
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to shape or form, as by using a mould
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to influence or direct
to mould opinion
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to cling to
the skirt moulds her figure
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metallurgy to make (a material such as sand) into a mould that is used in casting
noun
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a coating or discoloration caused by various saprotrophic fungi that develop in a damp atmosphere on the surface of stored food, fabrics, wallpaper, etc
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any of the fungi that causes this growth
verb
noun
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loose soil, esp when rich in organic matter
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poetic the earth
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of mould1
C13 (n): changed from Old French modle, from Latin modulus a small measure, module
Origin of mould2
C15: dialect (Northern English) mowlde mouldy, from the past participle of moulen to become mouldy, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse mugla mould
Origin of mould3
Old English molde; related to Old High German molta soil, Gothic mulde
Explanation
Mould is the British spelling for "mold" — the stuff you find growing on old bread or the container you use to create your jello masterpieces. Living mould is like “mildew,” it’s a type of fungus that grows on damp or decaying matter. Mould can also mean a “caste” used to shape a hardening liquid. In this sense mould can refer to both the container and the end product that comes out of the mould. In addition, mould is used as a verb to describe the process of making a mould. When you pour plaster into a mould to make a shape, you mould that shape.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A mould takes about a month to make, and the production run lasts about three months.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
A mould of his right ear was then used to create a matching left ear, before getting the colour and fit right.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
The film tells the tale of a lonely, ostracised fisherwoman living in a medieval village who hires a basketmaker to mould her a new partner made entirely out of wicker.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026
But music critics say Big Bang broke the mould.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026
Here Spring was already busy about them: fronds pierced moss and mould, larches were green-fingered, small flowers were opening in the turf, birds were singing.
From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien
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