US and UK English
mould vs mold
Regional usage, spelling, and examples
Mold is the standard American spelling. Mould is the usual British spelling for the same fungus, shaping process, or hollow form.
Regional decision guide
Use one regional spelling across every sense
Fungus, a casting form, and the act of shaping follow the same regional pattern.
United States
mold
American spelling
Use mold for fungal growth, a shaped form, and the verb meaning shape.
Pour the mixture into the mold.
United Kingdom and many Commonwealth varieties
mould
British spelling
Use mould for the same noun and verb senses.
Pour the mixture into the mould.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
The spellings share the same main meanings and pronunciation. American English normally uses mold as a noun and verb in every sense. British English normally uses mould, although specialized names and imported terminology may preserve mold. Proper names and quotations should retain their original spelling.
Optional listening · American English
Hear the shared pronunciation
These terms share a standard pronunciation. Use the recordings to learn the sound, then use meaning and context to choose the spelling.
Word 1
mould
noun or verb, British spelling
Fungal growth, a form for shaping material, or the act of shaping something.
US pronunciation
/moʊld/
UK IPA
/məʊld/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Use one syllable with the vowel in “go,” then make both L and D audible. The written U is silent.
Word 2
mold
noun or verb, American spelling
Fungal growth, a shaping form, or the act of giving something a shape.
US pronunciation
/moʊld/
UK IPA
/məʊld/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Pronounce it exactly like mould: one syllable ending in the LD consonant cluster.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
mould
- Mould appeared on the damp wall.
- Press the clay firmly into the mould.
- Teachers help mould confident learners.
Examples with
mold
- Mold can grow in a poorly ventilated room.
- Pour the chocolate into a clean mold.
- Experience helped mold her leadership style.