sourdough

noun

sour·​dough ˈsau̇(-ə)r-ˌdō 

 sense 1 is also  -ˈdō

1

: a leaven consisting of dough in which fermentation is active

2

[from the use of sourdough for making bread in prospectors' camps] : a veteran inhabitant and especially an old-time prospector of Alaska or northwestern Canada

Examples of sourdough in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The crispy-bottomed sourdough crust is chewy throughout, ripe for dipping in a cup of housemade ranch. —Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 23 May 2024

Rosie insists on using a lovely sourdough bread to make the croutons and says not to skimp on the olive oil when toasting them, advising that croutons that are too dry won’t soak up the dressing in the same delicious way. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 23 May 2024

The first course, a chilled heirloom tomato soup with sourdough crisps and arbequina olive oil is shown by White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford during a media preview, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, ahead of State Dinner with Kenya's President William Ruto, at the White House. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 23 May 2024

Regular firm white bread (pain de mie) holds its shape and stays very moist after cooking, while crusty breads like sourdoughs and baguettes retain a pleasant and satisfying chew. —Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sourdough

noun

sour·​dough ˈsau̇(ə)r-ˌdō 

1

: a dough in which fermentation is active and which is used to start fermentation in other dough (as in making bread)

2

: an old-time prospector in Alaska or northwestern Canada