What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
molting
Example
The snake is molting its skin. [molting: verb]
Example
The bird's molting process takes several weeks. [molting: noun]
shedding
Example
The dog is shedding its winter coat. [shedding: verb]
Example
Regular exfoliation helps with shedding dead skin cells. [shedding: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shedding is more commonly used than molting in everyday language, as it applies to a wider range of animals and materials. Molting is more specific and is primarily associated with birds and reptiles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between molting and shedding?
Both molting and shedding are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
