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

Prep Time: 15 mins Rise Time: 30 mins Bake Time: 15 mins Total Time: 1 hr Servings: 6 Yield: 12 cinnamon sticks Jump to Nutrition Facts Reimagine the flavors of cinnamon and sugar into pillowy breadsticks with this sourdough discard recipe. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025

There are generously portioned, made-to-order sandwiches and crisp sourdough focaccia that is worth eating on its own. —Lindsey Tramuta, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 May 2025

See & Be Kitchen runs a sourdough wholesale bakery in the Catskills. —Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

Along with Peter Reinhart and Éric Kayser, Poilâne validates using sourdough and commercial yeast together. —Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 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