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

Panera had only two menu items stay inflation-free: a bowl of soup and soup in a sourdough bread bowl. —Suzanne Blake, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Further research is needed to better understand the effects of sourdough on digestion.4 3. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

These crackers have a deep, toasty rye flavor and tiny holes like mini slices of sourdough. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 12 Dec. 2024

Toffee covered green apple aromas, as well as sourdough and lemons. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 24 Nov. 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