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

Warm slices of sourdough bread, a bed of mashed potatoes, or a scoop of rice would all be terrific teammates—as would the rest of that bottle of wine. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2025

Even though baking can kill some of the live bacteria, sourdough still keeps beneficial compounds that may help fight inflammation and protect your cells. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 14 Nov. 2025

Its offerings include country sourdough loaves, focaccia, cinnamon rolls, croissants, brownies, cupcakes, simple breakfast sandwiches, Stone Creek coffee, Tootsie’s Tea and sweet tea. —Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 12 Nov. 2025

But baker Éric Kayser, who built a mini empire of 370 bakeries around the world on the strength of his signature tradition baguette made with liquid sourdough starter, makes an interesting point about specialty breads that are taking the capital by storm. —Vivian Song, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

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