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

This pudding is unexpected but oh-so-tasty thanks to the sourdough bread, tomato sauce, thyme, and brown sugar. —Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2025

Anderson even baked Neeson sourdough bread and cookies to leave in his dressing room. —Eric Andersson, People.com, 26 July 2025

It’s made with fontina and goat cheese, tomato jam and caramelized onions on sourdough bread ($15) provided by Turano Baking Co. A number of dishes on the menu pay homage to Arkush and Foster’s family members who’ve passed away. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 16 July 2025

Amenities: Free on-site parking, restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, pool and kid’s pool, beach access, dedicated kid’s play area Editor’s tip: Don’t miss the sourdough breads and pastries baked fresh every morning courtesy of the hotel’s new bakery in town, Red Jane. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025

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