moult: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Biological, Literary
Quick answer
What does “moult” mean?
To shed feathers, hair, skin, or an outer layer periodically, especially as part of a natural growth cycle in animals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To shed feathers, hair, skin, or an outer layer periodically, especially as part of a natural growth cycle in animals.
To cast off or lose something old or no longer needed, often in a process of renewal or transformation; can be used metaphorically for ideas, systems, or identities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'moult' is standard in British English. The spelling 'molt' is standard in American English. The pronunciation is identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. No difference in meaning or usage beyond spelling.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specific contexts (zoology, pet care, nature writing).
Grammar
How to Use “moult” in a Sentence
[Subject: Animal] + moult + [Object: feathers/skin/hair][Subject: Animal] + moultbe + moultingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moult” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The eagle will moult its flight feathers this summer.
- My dog is moulting all over the sofa.
American English
- The snake molted its skin last week.
- Geese molt after the breeding season.
adjective
British English
- The moulting penguin looked rather scruffy.
- We're in the moulting period for our hens.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The company is moulting its outdated practices.'
Academic
Common in biological sciences, zoology, veterinary studies.
Everyday
Used by pet owners (e.g., dog/cat shedding hair) or gardeners discussing insects.
Technical
Standard term in herpetology (reptiles), ornithology (birds), entomology (insects).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moult”
- Using 'moult' for inanimate objects losing parts accidentally (e.g., a car moulting its paint).
- Confusing 'moult' with 'melt'.
- Misspelling as 'molt' in British contexts or 'moult' in American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it applies to any animal that sheds an outer layer as part of growth: birds (feathers), reptiles (skin), insects (exoskeleton), mammals (hair/fur).
'Moult' is more specific and biological, implying a cyclical, natural process. 'Shed' is more general and can be used for animals, plants, or objects (shed leaves, shed weight).
Use 'moult' for British English and 'molt' for American English. The pronunciation is the same.
Yes, especially in literary contexts. E.g., 'He moulted his old prejudices' means he cast off his old prejudices.
To shed feathers, hair, skin, or an outer layer periodically, especially as part of a natural growth cycle in animals.
Moult is usually technical/biological, literary in register.
Moult: in British English it is pronounced /məʊlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Moult one's old skin (metaphorical for personal change)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOULTing chicken LOOsing its feathers. 'MOULT' contains 'OUT' – pushing old feathers OUT.
Conceptual Metaphor
RENEWAL IS SHEDDING SKIN; PERSONAL GROWTH IS MOULTING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'moult' LEAST appropriate?