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

Employees said sourdough bread at the restaurant was prepared at the owner’s home and brought to the restaurant to bake. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2025

This is the place where Mr. Elliott calls ahead every Thursday to request a cheese omelet, sourdough bread, hash browns and extra grits to share with his wife. —Corina Knoll, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

At Tabor Bread, everything is sourdough and made with whole grain. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025

And developing a nuanced, hearty loaf of sourdough takes time. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2025

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