sourdough

noun

sour·​dough ˈsau̇(-ə)r-ˌdō How to pronounce sourdough (audio)
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
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The sourdough bread was toasted enough to house all of the ingredients without getting soggy, but also without being so rough on the roof of your mouth. Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 1 May 2026 Other new finds fans can get excited about are a new blueberry sourdough bread in the bakery, sourdough bread bowls, and Caramel Churro Sundae that may require another Costco run in the near future. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 The Greenwich The Greenwich, located in the heart of RiNo, serves fresh takes on New York-style Italian cuisine—handmade pastas (in generous portions), sourdough pizzas, and shareable plates. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026 Freezing sourdough is the best long-term option; wrap it tightly and reheat for a fresh-baked experience. Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sourdough

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sourdough was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sourdough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sourdough. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

sourdough

noun
sour·​dough ˈsau̇(ə)r-ˌdō How to pronounce sourdough (audio)
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
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