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

Keep in mind that gluten-free sourdough will have a different texture than sourdoughs made with wheat flour, as gluten adds a chewy and airy texture to baked goods. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Jan. 2025

Exploring other options like sourdough or making bread at home can provide additional benefits. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025

The cheese flavor comes from an artful blend of yeast, lactic acid and sourdough. —Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025

Meza’s restaurant, like its pop-ups, will specialize in sourdough flatbread wraps grilled on a domed griddle called a saj. —Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 19 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