knead

verb

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 adjective
kneader noun

Examples of knead in a Sentence

Knead the dough until it is smooth.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Backed by violin, mandolin, upright bass, and drums, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter kneaded Americana and bluegrass into her own style. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025 At a table, a worker in an apron kneads a huge ball of dough, slices off a strip and shapes it into a familiar disc with a hole in the middle. Michael Collins, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025 Prompted to massage her feet, the Emmy winner begins dutifully kneading. Jack Smart, People.com, 31 July 2025 Set the fork aside, then knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until smooth. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for knead

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of knead was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knead. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

knead

verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on knead

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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