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Moldy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

moldy

/ˈmoʊldi/ /ˈməʊldi/

Definition:

Covered with or smelling of mold; stale or decaying due to fungal growth.

Synonyms:

musty, mildewed, fusty, rotten

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

fresh, clean

Common Collocations:

moldy bread, moldy cheese, moldy smell, moldy basement

Derivatives:

moldiness, moldier (comparative), moldiest (superlative)

Usage Tips:

Use "moldy" to describe objects spoiled by mold, like food or damp surfaces. Avoid confusing it with "musty," which refers only to smell.

Common Phrases:

go moldy, turn moldy, left to go moldy

Etymology:

From Old English "molde" (earth, soil) + "-y," referring to fungal growth on decaying matter.

Examples:

  • 1. The bread turned moldy after being left out for days.
  • 2. She threw away the moldy cheese because it smelled bad.
  • 3. The basement was damp and full of moldy boxes.
  • 4. Don’t eat that fruit; it looks moldy and unsafe.
  • 5. The old books had a musty, almost moldy odor.

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