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

True to the ethos and flavors of Gusto, Enciso uses sourdough starter in his pan de muerto. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024

From crispy French fries to crusty sourdough loaves, carbs are an integral (and delicious) part of the human diet. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024

Realtors, software engineers—there was even someone really into making sourdough bread. —Remy Blumenfeld, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Oct. 2024

They’re enriched with egg yolks and butter and turn out big and soft — and tangy with the help of a little sourdough starter. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 27 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