What does moldy mean?
Moldy means that something has been affected by mold or shows signs of fungal growth. It is most often used for food that has spoiled and for damp buildings or materials on which mold has developed, as in "moldy bread" or "a moldy wall." The word can also describe something informally as old-fashioned, shabby, or disreputable, particularly a film, performance, or piece of writing. This figurative use conveys contempt and suggests low quality or a stale imitation of something better. In American English, "moldy" is the standard spelling; British English normally uses "mouldy." The term is useful because it describes both a concrete condition and, figuratively, the cultural impression made by something perceived as dated or inferior.
Covered with, affected by, or suggestive of mold.
"The kitchen had a moldy smell that would not go away."
Common for spoiled food and for damp buildings or materials.
Informally, shabby, outdated, or disreputable.
"The venue looked like a moldy old warehouse."
Chiefly informal and disparaging; frequently applied to entertainment, writing, design, or institutions.
What begins as a tiny patch of mold can make an entire loaf of bread unacceptable—and, figuratively, give a reputation a distinctly shabby look.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does moldy come from?
Moldy was formed in English by adding the suffix -y to the noun mold, producing an adjective meaning "covered with or affected by mold." The related British spelling mouldy reflects the alternative form mould of the base word. The figurative sense developed by extension from the physical condition to things regarded as shabby, outdated, or disreputable.
Related word forms
How moldy is actually used
The literal sense is neutral and commonly refers to food, buildings, or other organic material. The figurative sense is chiefly informal and often disparaging, especially when describing old films, décor, writing, or institutions.
Easily confused with moldy
"Moldy" is the usual American spelling, while "mouldy" is the standard British spelling; they have the same meanings.
"Moldy" indicates the presence or growth of mold, whereas "muddy" describes dirt or mud on something.