Definition

1. Noun:

   • A hollow container used to give shape to a fluid or soft substance: A mold is a rigid frame or matrix into which a liquid or pliable material is poured or pressed to form a specific shape as it solidifies.
   • A distinctive and typical style, form, or character: Mold can refer to a pattern or model that shapes something, often used figuratively to describe a conventional type or character.
   • A furry growth of minute fungi, especially on organic matter in damp conditions: Mold is a type of fungus that appears as a fuzzy, often greenish or blackish, layer on the surface of decaying food or other organic materials.
   • Loose, soft soil rich in decayed organic matter: This meaning, often spelled "mould," refers to a type of earth, such as leaf mold, which is excellent for gardening.

2. Verb:

   • To shape (a soft substance) using a mold: The act of forming an object by pressing or pouring a material into a hollow form.
   • To influence the formation or development of something: To guide or determine the nature, character, or ideas of someone or something.
   • To fit or cling tightly to the contours of something: To follow the shape of an object closely.
   • To become covered with mold (fungus): To decay or spoil due to the growth of fungi.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • Pour the plaster into the mold to make a statue.
  • He broke the mold with his innovative designs. (Figurative use meaning he did something original.)
  • Throw that bread away; it has green mold on it.
  • The plants thrive in rich garden mold.

• Verb:

  • She molded the clay into a beautiful vase.
  • His teachers helped to mold his philosophical views.
  • The wet shirt molded to his body.
  • The old books in the basement had begun to mold.

Advanced Usage

• "To break the mold": To do something in a new and different way, departing from tradition.

  • Her revolutionary approach broke the mold for classical music.

• "Cast in the same mold": To be very similar in character or nature.

  • The two leaders were cast in the same mold, both being pragmatic and decisive.

Variants and Related Words

• Mould: The standard spelling in British English for all meanings. The spelling "mold" is primarily American English.
• Molder (verb): To decay or crumble into dust, often used figuratively.
  • The old castle is slowly moldering away.
• Moldy (adjective): Covered with or smelling of mold.
  • We found a moldy cheese at the back of the fridge.

Synonyms

• Noun (container): Cast, matrix, form, die.
• Noun (fungus): Mildew, blight.
• Noun (character): Pattern, model, type, archetype.
• Verb (shape): Form, fashion, model, sculpt.
• Verb (influence): Shape, form, determine, guide.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Mold into: To shape or influence someone/something to become a particular thing.
  • The coach molded the raw talent into a champion athlete.
• Mold together: To blend or unite different elements into a cohesive whole.
  • The director molded the diverse cast together into a superb ensemble.

Related Idioms

• Fit the mold: To conform to a standard or expected pattern.
  • He didn't fit the mold of a typical corporate executive.
• Set in a mold: Fixed in a particular pattern, not easily changed.
  • His opinions were already set in a mold by the time he was twenty.

Noun

1. sculpture produced by molding
2. a distinctive nature, character, or type
   • a leader in the mold of her predecessors
3. a dish or dessert that is formed in or on a mold
   • a lobster mold
   • a gelatin dessert made in a mold
4. a fungus that produces a superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter
5. the process of becoming mildewed
6. loose soil rich in organic matter
7. container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens
8. the distinctive form in which a thing is made
   • pottery of this cast was found throughout the region

Verb

1. shape or influence; give direction to
   • experience often determines ability
   • mold public opinion
2. fit tightly, follow the contours of
   • The dress molds her beautiful figure
3. make something, usually for a specific function
   • She molded the rice balls carefully
   • Form cylinders from the dough
   • shape a figure
   • Work the metal into a sword
4. form by pouring (e.g., wax or hot metal) into a cast or mold
   • cast a bronze sculpture
5. become moldy; spoil due to humidity
   • The furniture molded in the old house
6. form in clay, wax, etc
   • model a head with clay