Verb
1 a : [+ object] : to form or press (something, such as wax, plastic, clay, or dough) into a particular shape
mold dough into loaves of bread
1 b : [+ object] : to make (something) from a material that has been formed or pressed
mold loaves of bread
She gave her mother a tiny statue that she molded from clay.
The mountains were molded [=formed, shaped] by the glaciers over thousands of years.
2 : [+ object] : to make (something) by pouring or pressing material (such as wax or plastic) into a mold
The art class spent its time molding candles.
mold plastic toys
a molded plastic chair
3 : [+ object] : to create, influence, or affect the character of (someone or something)
She has dedicated her life to teaching and molding young children into responsible adults.
molding young minds
He took a struggling company and molded it into something special.
4 : [no object] : to fit to the shape of something
This new mattress pad will mold to your body [=it will change its shape to fit your body] when you sleep on it.
The fabric is thin and flexible and will mold to your shape.
— molder (US) noun, plural molders
He sees himself as a molder of world events.
a molder of young minds