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

At Cultured in Sister Bay, Mattea Fischer is devoted to all things fermented: sauerkraut, kimchi, and sourdough bread and bagels that draw locals for flavors including asiago and black pepper. —Emma John, AFAR Media, 20 Aug. 2025

Well, during Swift’s appearance last week on the New Heights podcast, hosted by boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason, fans picked up on a few hints — including an extended conversation about baking sourdough bread. —Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 19 Aug. 2025

During the two-hour-long podcast, which has been viewed more than 16 million times on YouTube, Swift discussed her hobbies outside making music, which include baking sourdough bread. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025

Throughout the interview, Swift shared her love of baking sourdough bread. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 16 Aug. 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