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

Don’t miss the mini sourdough boule flights or the signature Fat Cat bialy filled with seasonal delicacies. —Hilary Cadigan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2026

Delicate, enriched breads like brioche or challah will dry out quickly, and crusty breads like sourdough, baguettes, and bagels can lose their crisp exteriors and become tough. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 May 2026

Susie notes that many familiar foods fall into this category, including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi; aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda and parmesan; as well as miso, tempeh, kombucha, soy sauce, authentic sourdough bread and certain pickles. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 May 2026

Together, the couple makes gluten free sourdough loaves, baguettes and banana bread along with other pastries like cookies and donuts. —Mars King, Twin Cities, 20 May 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