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

Highlights include the sourdough crafted by award-winning baker Frederic Lalos, the foie gras course featuring a seafoam complemented with a macadamia nut caramel, and scallops served with XO sauce that is bursting with umami flavor. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026

A la carte items include Baja oysters, Black Hat Bakery sourdough, a daily ceviche selection and the Carter Country Regenerative Beef cheeseburger with seaweed aioli and beef tallow fries. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

Some sourdough recipes will bake fine without placing the dough in a hot oven. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026

The 1,800-square-foot bakery will have a walk-up window, where residents can pick up loaves of sourdough bread, pastries and chocolate chip cookies made from scratch throughout the day. —Lily O'Neill, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Feb. 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