leavening

noun

leav·​en·​ing ˈle-və-niŋ How to pronounce leavening (audio)
ˈlev-niŋ
Synonyms of leaveningnext
: a leavening agent : leaven

Examples of leavening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Resting the batter gives the flour time to fully hydrate, allows the gluten to relax, and lets the leavening distribute evenly—all of which translate to better rise in the pan. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2026 For recipes where cocoa isn't reacting with leavening, like frosting, pudding, hot chocolate, or sauces, swapping is usually fine. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 May 2026 Baking soda has many uses around the home, from spot-treating laundry to serving as a leavening agent in the kitchen. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 6 May 2026 Chametz includes any food or drink that contains even a trace of wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives, and which wasn’t guarded from leavening or fermentation. Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leavening

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leavening was in 1626

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Cite this Entry

“Leavening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leavening. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

leavening

noun
: a leavening agent : leaven entry 1 sense 1

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