flour

noun \ ˈflau̇(-ə)r \

|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Definition of flour

1 : a product consisting of finely milled wheat; also : a similar product made from another grain or food product (such as dried potatoes or fish)

2 : a fine soft powder

—

flourless

adjective

—

floury

play \ˈflau̇(-ə)r-ē\ adjective

See flour defined for English-language learners

See flour defined for kids

Examples of flour in a Sentence

a five-pound bag of flour
mix the two flours together

Recent Examples of flour from the Web

However, the muffins were made with almond flour, so that was a bit of protein right there.

— abby langer, SELF, "Here's What a Registered Dietitian Eats When She Doesn't Meal Prep," 25 May 2018
Black beans that are dried, ground in a food processor and mixed with flour, breadcrumbs and cheddar cheese make for an easy veggie burger that takes well to the grill.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Recipe: Easy Veggie Burgers," 21 May 2018
Dust countertop liberally with more flour and turn out dough.

— claire saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Easy Blueberry Cream Scones," 21 May 2018
Observed approximately 40 live flying insects in kitchen area, found on bread and open container with flour.

— david j. neal, miamiherald, "What's that on your doughnut? Flies, rodents, roaches, poop shut down these restaurants," 14 May 2018
Dust a 2¾-inch round cutter with flour; cut about 20 biscuits from dough.

— emily strohm, PEOPLE.com, "Joanna Gaines Shares the Breakfast Recipe That Chip Eats 'Every Saturday'," 2 May 2018
Each drop solicited giggles from the students, some of which walked away with flour on their shirts, but the bigger lesson was about the surface of Mars and the different way impact craters are formed.

— erin walden, Post-Tribune, "Indiana teacher reviving Young Astronauts program at school," 30 Apr. 2018
Make potato patties with the leftover potatoes: Mix them with a lightly beaten egg, dust with flour and pan-fry in a nonstick skillet until heated through and browned on both sides.

— susan nicholson, ajc, "Seven Day Menu Planner," 24 Apr. 2018
Add oats with flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder to the creamed mixture and mix on low speed until combined.

— joanne kempinger demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Childhood favorite nutter butters from C. Adam's Bakery," 27 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flour.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of flour

Middle English — more at flower

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

flour

verb

Definition of flour

floured; flouring; flours

transitive verb

: to coat with or as if with flour

intransitive verb

: to break up into particles

See flour defined for English-language learners

Examples of flour in a Sentence

The fish should be lightly floured before it's fried.

Recent Examples of flour from the Web

For the doughnut dough: Whisk together flours, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda and spices.

— lucas aulbach, The Courier-Journal, "Where to find deals and freebies on National Donut Day in Louisville," 31 May 2018
Dump out mixture onto lightly floured table and form into a 7-inch round circle.

— judy buchenot, Naperville Sun, "Honoring dietary restrictions can be tricky," 2 Mar. 2018
Lightly flour a work surface and turn out the dough.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Recipe: New Orleans King Cake," 24 Jan. 2018
Pour batter into two greased and floured cake pans.

— teri mena, sacbee, "Recipe Mailbox: Simple chocolate cake not a sin | The Sacramento Bee," 23 Jan. 2018
Transfer dough to well-floured peel and stretch into 13-inch round.

— debbi snook, cleveland.com, "Thin-Crust Pizza from America's Test Kitchen (recipe)," 13 Dec. 2017
Punch the dough and roll out on floured surface to 1/3-inch thickness.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "Butchertown Grocery pastry chef teases autumn's best flavors, desserts," 3 Oct. 2017
Thaw pastry and roll out on lightly floured surface, and bake according to directions. While puff pastry bakes, whisk together the egg yolks with sugar until frothy. 2.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "Memories of Gary's home delivery dairies remain," 22 Sep. 2017
For extra assurance for a clean removal, grease and flour the parchment as well.

— judy buchenot, Naperville Sun, "Naperville woman believes it's always a good time for cake," 5 Sep. 2017

First Known Use of flour

circa 1657

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

FLOUR Defined for English Language Learners

flour

noun

Definition of flour for English Language Learners

: powder made from a grain (especially wheat) that is used in cooking for making bread, cakes, etc.

flour

verb

Definition of flour for English Language Learners

: to cover (something) with flour

FLOUR Defined for Kids

flour

noun \ ˈflau̇r \

Definition of flour for Students

: finely ground wheat or other food product

whole wheat flour

potato flour

Learn More about flour

See words that rhyme with flour Spanish Central: Translation of flour Nglish: Translation of flour for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of flour for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flour

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flour

Definition of flour

flourless

floury

Examples of flour in a Sentence

Recent Examples of flour from the Web

Origin and Etymology of flour

Other Food Terms

flour

Definition of flour

Examples of flour in a Sentence

Recent Examples of flour from the Web

First Known Use of flour

Phrases Related to FLOUR

Related Phrases

FLOUR Defined for English Language Learners

flour

Definition of flour for English Language Learners

flour

Definition of flour for English Language Learners

FLOUR Defined for Kids

flour

Definition of flour for Students

Learn More about flour

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