Molding: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in interior design or construction to refer to a decorative strip usually made of wood, plaster, or plastic that is used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decorative purposes.

• We installed crown molding in the living room to add a touch of elegance

Utilized in interior design and construction to refer to the materials or elements that finish or decorate the edges of a piece of furniture, room, or vehicle. Can also describe a state's physical fitness in common speech.

• The carpenter added trim around the windows to enhance the room's appearance

Often used in gardening or landscaping to describe the material or technique used to create a defined boundary between different areas, such as between a lawn and a flowerbed. Can also refer to a finishing strip at the edges of fabric.

• They used brick as an edging to separate the walkway from the lawn

Commonly used in design, gardening, and geography to denote the edge or boundary of an area. Can also refer to a printed or drawn line around a page.

• She planted flowers along the border of the garden

This is a duplicate entry and refers to the act of shaping material using a mold.

• The potter spent hours molding the clay into intricate designs
• Molding chocolate into different shapes is a fun activity

Generally used to describe giving a particular form or appearance, not necessarily using a mold.

• The athlete was shaping his body through rigorous training
• Shaping the future often involves making tough decisions

Used generically to describe the creation of a specific shape or structure, often in manufacturing and engineering.

• The machine is capable of forming metal sheets into various shapes
• Forming concrete structures requires careful planning

Commonly used in manufacturing or arts when pouring liquid material into a mold to harden into a specific shape.

• The statue was made by casting bronze in a specially designed mold
• Casting metal requires high temperatures and precise timing

This word is often used in the context of physically forming or shaping materials, such as in manufacturing or artistic creation. It can also metaphorically describe the shaping of character or behavior.

• The clay is still wet, so you can continue molding it into any shape you like.
• Her experiences at the new job are molding her into a more confident person.

This word is used when someone or something affects and changes someone's thoughts, behaviors, or decisions. It can have a neutral, positive, or negative connotation depending on the situation.

• Her mentor's advice had a significant influence on her career path.
• The media has a powerful influence over public opinion.

Shape can be used both literally, to describe the form or outline of something, and metaphorically, to indicate the development or direction of something, such as an idea, policy, or person.

• The sculptor spent hours perfecting the shape of his latest statue.
• Early childhood experiences can shape an individual's personality.

This word is typically used for providing direction, advice, or information to help someone reach a destination, understand a concept, or make decisions.

• A good teacher will guide their students through the difficult parts of the curriculum.
• We hired a tour guide to show us around the city.