What does molded mean?
Molded is the past tense and past participle of mold, the verb meaning to give a particular shape or form. In its literal sense, it refers to an object shaped in a mold, as in “molded plastic” or “injection-molded parts.” The word also has an important figurative use: people, habits, events, and institutions can be molded by experience, education, training, or environment. Saying that someone was “molded by hardship” emphasizes the lasting influence of circumstances on their character. Although “molded” is the usual spelling in North America, British English normally uses “moulded.” The word is straightforward but useful because it captures both a physical manufacturing process and the broader idea of being shaped over time.
verbMolded means shaped or formed using a mold. Figuratively, it means shaped or influenced, especially in the development of a person’s character, conduct, or destiny.
- shaped or formed using a mold
- formed or shaped in a figurative sense
"Years of honest hardship molded her into a remarkably resilient person."
"The manufacturer molded the plastic casing in a single piece."
"Her early experiences molded the way she later understood justice."
A molded object is literally shaped by a mold, while “molded” can also describe the forces that shape a person’s character.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does molded come from?
The word belongs to the English mold–mould family, which descends from Middle English forms such as molde and mould. Its history ultimately leads to Old French and Latin vocabulary associated with a mold or soft material, although the precise development of the English noun has been debated. American English adopted “mold” and “molded,” while British English retained the spelling “mould” and “moulded.”
Related word forms
How molded is actually used
In American English, “molded” is standard for both the physical process and figurative senses. British English generally spells it “moulded.” The word is commonly used with manufacturing materials such as plastic, foam, fiberglass, and rubber.
Easily confused with molded
“Molded” is the usual North American spelling, whereas “moulded” is the standard British spelling of the same word.