baking powder

noun

: a powder used as a leavening agent in making baked goods (such as quick breads) that typically consists of sodium bicarbonate, an acidic substance (such as cream of tartar), and starch or flour

Examples of baking powder in a Sentence

The recipe calls for a teaspoon of baking powder.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sift the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda over the mixture. —CBS News, 24 May 2026

Quickbreads are breads that are leavened with baking powder or baking soda, as opposed to yeast, including banana bread, zucchini bread, gingerbread, pumpkin bread, orange cranberry bread, cornbread, Irish soda bread and even muffins, drop biscuits and scones. —Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, chocolate chips, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. —Terrence Hayes, Southern Living, 19 May 2026

The dry ingredients are gradually added to the wet ingredients, with the leaveners (like baking powder and baking soda) providing the airy texture. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for baking powder

• chowder
• crowder
• louder
• prouder
• gunpowder

Kids Definition

baking powder

noun

: a powder that usually consists of sodium bicarbonate, an acidic substance (as cream of tartar), and starch or flour and that makes the dough rise in baked goods (as cakes)