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

Instead of making sourdough, Justine started doing vintage cosplay, recreating famous fashion photos. — Scott Westerfeld, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Fake sourdough often uses yeast, sugar, or tangy ingredients like vinegar to mimic the flavor without providing the real fermentation benefits. — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026

Bread is also a big draw at Bakey, particularly the challah and the sourdough. — Connie Ogle july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

There are other sourdough fermentation units on the market, but most only serve to monitor the fermentation process and keep the dough warm. — Shirl Leigh july 16, New Atlas, 17 July 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