leavening

1 of 2

noun

leav·​en·​ing ˈle-və-niŋ 

ˈlev-niŋ

: a leavening agent : leaven

leavening

2 of 2

present participle of leaven entry 2

Examples of leavening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Instant yeast is known for its quick leavening and doesn’t require blooming or activation before adding it to recipes. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 3 Nov. 2026

And be aware that the self-rising version may have lost its leavening oomph over time and may not be effective in making your cornbread rise. — Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026

Active starter better mimics the slow rise leavening action of yeast (in breads and rolls) versus quick acting leaveners like baking soda and powder. — Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026

The leavening effect of this movement, however, has already created a new disposition of the Roman Catholic soul. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1626, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

leavening

noun

: a leavening agent : leaven entry 1 sense 1