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

French design collective Studio CoPain makes all sorts of objects and settings using sourdough, treating the material as other makers might use clay or wood. —Francesca Perry, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026

My personal highlights were the tender, lightly caramelized moo ping pork skewers with sticky rice, succulent tomato stracciatella sourdough toast, and copious flawless mango, which melted in my mouth like butter. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

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, 23 Apr. 2026

Homemade sourdough croutons are the ideal finishing touch. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 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