Moult: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in British English to describe the process of an animal losing old feathers, hair, or skin to make way for new growth. Often used when discussing birds or certain types of insects.

• The parrot began to moult as the seasons changed.
• After returning from migration, the birds start to moult.

A broader term that can refer to the process of losing hair, fur, or other body parts in humans, animals, and even plants. Can also be used metaphorically.

• The dog is shedding a lot of fur this summer.
• Trees start shedding their leaves in the fall.
• He is shedding his old habits.

The American English equivalent of 'moult.' Commonly used in the same contexts involving birds, insects, and reptiles shedding feathers, hair, or skin.

• The snake is molting its old skin.
• You can tell the bird is healthy because it’s molting regularly.

A more specialized term often used in a medical or biological context to describe the shedding or peeling away of dead tissue or skin. Can also refer to snakes shedding their skin.

• After the burn injury, the patient experienced sloughing of the damaged skin.
• The snake was sloughing its old skin in preparation for new growth.

Usually used when referring to birds or animals losing their feathers, fur, or skin to allow for new growth.

• The bird begins to moult in the spring, shedding old feathers to grow new ones.

Commonly used for animals losing parts like hair, skin, or leaves falling from trees. It can also mean getting rid of something, whether physical or emotional.

• Dogs typically shed their winter coats in the spring.
• Trees shed their leaves every autumn.
• He tried to shed his fears before the big presentation.

Can refer to getting rid of something unwanted or unneeded. It can also be used in knitting when finishing a piece of work.

• She cast off her old habits when she moved to a new city.
• After completing the scarf, she proceeded to cast off the stitches.

Usually associated with reptiles or amphibians when they lose old skin. It can also mean to get rid of something undesirable, often used in a more formal or literary context.

• The snake will slough its skin multiple times a year.
• She tried to slough off the bad memories of the past.