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

New bakery items like peanut butter cookies and sourdough bread bowls are big hits. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026

Bad Butter is known for its bold flavor combinations and rotating selection of nuanced pastries, from things like chocolate sourdough banana bread to ginger plum cruffins to ube caneles. — Kayla Samoy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

The cooking classes take that experience a step further, covering everything from sourdough and pizza to pasta, pretzels, and heirloom flour tortillas. — Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026

Store sliced sourdough in a zip-top bag or wrapped in beeswax wrap or plastic wrap—and keep an eye on it. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 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