sourdough

noun

sour·​dough ˈsau̇(-ə)r-ˌdō 

sense 1 is also -ˈdō

1

: a leaven consisting of dough in which fermentation is active

2

[from the use of sourdough for making bread in prospectors' camps] : a veteran inhabitant and especially an old-time prospector of Alaska or northwestern Canada

Examples of sourdough in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a selection of fresh juices, pastries and muffins, alongside heartier classics like the full English, or smoked salmon sourdough crumpets. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026

Gulf News describes young people embracing sourdough baking alongside knitting, embroidery, gardening and sewing as part of grandmacore. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

This sourdough bakes warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger right into a pumpkin loaf. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 3 Sep. 2026

The spacious, all-white kitchen has two islands, perfect for rolling out all that sourdough Swift has been baking of late. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sourdough

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

sourdough

noun

sour·​dough ˈsau̇(ə)r-ˌdō 

1

: a dough in which fermentation is active and which is used to start fermentation in other dough (as in making bread)

2

: an old-time prospector in Alaska or northwestern Canada