What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
moldy
Example
I had to throw away the bread because it was moldy. [moldy: adjective]
Example
The basement smells moldy after the flood. [moldy: adjective]
mouldy
Example
The cheese tasted mouldy, so I didn't eat it. [mouldy: adjective]
Example
The bathroom tiles were covered in mouldy grout. [mouldy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Moldy is more common in American English while mouldy is more common in British English. However, both words are used interchangeably in other English-speaking countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between moldy and mouldy?
Both moldy and mouldy are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
