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 other returning favorite, Eggs in the Basket, consists of two slices of sourdough grilled with an egg in the middle. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026

In addition to its slower absorption, sourdough has a lower glycemic index (GI) than white bread. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Jan. 2026

The sourdough cinnamon buns from Co-Dough inside—truly some of the best around. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026

Expect fresh juices, smoothies, sourdough toast and pastries sourced from the local café up the road. —Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sourdough

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

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