leaven

1 of 2

noun

leav·​en ˈle-vən 

1

a

: a substance (such as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid

especially : sourdough

b

: a material (such as baking powder) used to produce a gas that lightens dough or batter

2

: something that modifies or lightens

leaven

2 of 2

verb

leavened; leavening ˈle-və-niŋ 

ˈlev-niŋ

transitive verb

1

: to raise (something, such as bread) with a leaven

2

: to mingle or permeate with some modifying, alleviating, or vivifying element

especially : lighten

a sermon leavened with humor

Choose the Right Synonym for leaven

infuse, suffuse, imbue, ingrain, inoculate, leaven mean to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it throughout.

infuse implies a pouring in of something that gives new life or significance.

new members infused enthusiasm into the club

suffuse implies a spreading through of something that gives an unusual color or quality.

a room suffused with light

imbue implies the introduction of a quality that fills and permeates the whole being.

imbue students with intellectual curiosity

ingrain, used only in the passive or past participle, suggests the deep implanting of a quality or trait.

clung to ingrained habits

inoculate implies an imbuing or implanting with a germinal idea and often suggests stealth or subtlety.

an electorate inoculated with dangerous ideas

leaven implies introducing something that enlivens, tempers, or markedly alters the total quality.

a serious play leavened with comic moments

Examples of leaven in a Sentence

Noun

a serious book that includes a few humorous stories as leaven

Verb

He needs to leaven his speeches with more humor.

using yeast to leaven the dough

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Today, 3,000 years later, those who practice Passover attend a meal ritual known as Seder in homes, avoiding leaven, and retell that Exodus story. —Irene Richardson, Country Living, 12 Mar. 2023

Verb

And throughout, there’s a balance of tones, especially in the broad sweep of side characters who often leaven the overall sense of doom. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 22 July 2024

Christina’s naturally leavened bread and handmade pastries have gained a loyal following, with standout items like chocolate babka and seasonal, savory open-faced croissants. —Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English levain, from Anglo-French levein, from Vulgar Latin *levamen, from Latin levare to raise — more at lever

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

leaven

1 of 2 noun

leav·​en ˈlev-ən 

1

a

: a substance (as yeast) used to produce a gaseous fermentation (as in dough)

b

: a material (as baking powder) used to produce a gas that makes dough or batter rise and become light

2

: something that changes slightly or lightens a mass or whole

leaven

2 of 2 verb

leavened; leavening ˈlev-(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to raise (dough) with a leaven

2

: to mix or spread throughout with leaven