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

However, the sourdough pizza is seriously delicious, with a rotating list of inventive topping combinations, like the spanakopita or the celery root puree, bacon, and chives. —Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026

Same fun format kids already love, just built on sourdough instead of white sandwich bread and served with a dip that adds protein rather than extra sugar. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026

Expect towers of wild seafood, housemade sourdough, and an inventive cocktail list. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026

In town, enjoy a modern take on Southern fare at Tupelo Honey, a sourdough slice at All Souls Pizza, or Indian street food at Chai Pani. —Kristine Thomason, Outside, 9 Mar. 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