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

One of those experiments was sourdough doughnuts: a tangier, fluffier version. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2024

Another popular breakfast and lunch spot is Hive Bakery & Cafe, where regulars line up for the to-die-for housemade pastries and breads, like their sourdough and English muffins. —Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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