Definition

1. Noun:
   • A preliminary sculpture in wax or clay from which a finished work can be copied: A three-dimensional model used as a template or pattern for creating a final sculpture or cast.
   • Sculpture produced by molding: An object that has been shaped, often by pressing material into a hollow form or mold.
   • A decorative recessed or relieved surface on an edge: A contoured or shaped surface, often found on architectural features, that creates a play of light and shadow.
   • A decorative strip used for ornamentation or finishing: A length of material, often wood, plaster, or plastic, with a continuous decorative profile, applied to walls, ceilings, doors, or furniture.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The artist created a detailed wax moulding of the figure before casting it in bronze.
  • The plaster moulding of the lion's head was remarkably lifelike.
  • The elegant moulding along the ceiling gave the room a classical feel.
  • We installed new crown moulding in the living room to enhance its appearance.

Advanced Usage

• "Run of moulding": A continuous length of decorative trim.
  • We need to calculate the total linear feet for the run of moulding around the room.
• To be in the moulding of: To be in the process of shaping or forming (often used figuratively).
  • The young athlete was still in the moulding of a champion.

Variants and Related Words

• Molding (noun): The standard American English spelling of "moulding". The definitions are identical.
• Mould / Mold (verb): To shape a soft substance by using a mold.
• Moulder / Molder (verb): To decay or turn to dust.

Synonyms

• Trim: Decorative edging or finishing.
• Cornice: A specific type of moulding at the junction of a wall and a ceiling.
• Frieze: A broad horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration, often a form of moulding.
• Cast: An object made by pouring liquid material into a mold.

Related Phrases

• Crown moulding: Decorative trim installed where walls meet the ceiling.
• Baseboard moulding: Trim running along the bottom of an interior wall.
• Picture rail moulding: A horizontal strip on a wall from which pictures can be hung.

Related Idioms

• Break the mould: To do something in a new and different way.
  • Her innovative design broke the mould of traditional architecture.

Noun

1. a preliminary sculpture in wax or clay from which a finished work can be copied
2. sculpture produced by molding
3. a decorative recessed or relieved surface on an edge
4. a decorative strip used for ornamentation or finishing