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

Once inside the cozy cottage, you'll be smacked with the pleasant aroma of toasty sourdough and Benton's bacon, mingling in perfect harmony with poached eggs. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025

Choosing authentic, whole-grain sourdough and pairing it with protein or healthy fats offers the best benefits for blood sugar balance and overall wellness. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 Dec. 2025

Olivieri 1882’s artisanal, small-batch panettone, by contrast, is crafted by hand over four days using natural sourdough and top-quality ingredients, without artificial aromas or additives. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

Sometimes hidden in the shadows of the overpassing interstate, the unassuming A Dopo in downtown Knoxville is a local culinary gem that elevates the concept of sourdough pizza to a dinner-only delicacy. —Mary Lebus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Dec. 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