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

Anderson believes most of Florida’s raw milk sellers are homesteaders, many of them born out of the COVID-19 pandemic when people were stuck at home and began turning to new practices such as baking homemade sourdough bread, growing fresh vegetables in a backyard garden, and even farming. —Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024

This can be legumes like lentils or black beans, any vegetable, most fruits, as well as whole grain pasta, brown rice, or sourdough bread. —Ana Morales, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

Their take on the traditional Italian Christmas bread is made with a light sourdough that is fermented for four days, dotted with vanilla, and filled with raisins and candied oranges. —Melissa Locker, TIME, 26 Nov. 2024

There are also fresh baguettes, loaves of sourdough, multi-grain and croissant bread. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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