knead

verb

ˈnēd 

kneaded; kneading; kneads

transitive verb

1

a

: to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands

kneading dough

b

: to manipulate or massage with a kneading motion

kneaded sore neck muscles

2

: to form or shape by or as if by kneading

kneadable

ˈnē-də-bəl 

adjective

kneader noun

Examples of knead in a Sentence

Knead the dough until it is smooth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Once most of the dough has come together through stirring, use your clean hands to form a ball and start kneading. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Nov. 2023

To use beurre manie, use your fingertips to knead together equal portions of flour and butter in a small bowl until the mixture is thick and smooth. —Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2023

Transfer mixture to a clean work surface, and knead gently to bring together. —Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2023

Electric extruders operate by extruding the pasta dough from a dough chamber and then kneading and cutting the pasta on its own. —Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2023

This model did a good job with the bread dough, and the design helped to form a more natural kneading action, our tester pointed out. —Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 9 July 2023

Instead kneading usually means the cat feels happy, friendly and safe, according to Vitale. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Sep. 2023

The massage pillow will work on your muscles and knead out those kinks. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2023

Cons: The mixer was noticeably louder and shaky while kneading bread dough on higher speeds. —Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 9 July 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English kneden, from Old English cnedan; akin to Old High German knetan to knead

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

knead

verb

ˈnēd 

1

: to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands

2

: to treat as if by kneading : massage

kneader noun