knead

[need]

verb (used with object)

1. to work (dough, clay, etc.) into a uniform mixture by pressing, folding, and stretching.

2. to manipulate by similar movements, as the body in a massage.

3. to make by kneading.

   to knead bread.

4. to make kneading movements with.

   She kneaded her fist into her palm.

knead

/ niːd /

verb

1. to work and press (a soft substance, such as bread dough) into a uniform mixture with the hands

2. to squeeze, massage, or press with the hands

3. to make by kneading

Other Word Forms

• kneader noun
• kneadable adjective
• kneadability noun
• kneadingly adverb
• reknead verb (used with object)
• unkneaded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of knead¹

before 950; Middle English kneden, Old English cnedan; cognate with German kneten, Dutch kneden

Word History and Origins

Origin of knead¹

Old English cnedan; related to Old Saxon knedan, Old Norse knotha

Example Sentences

"You repurpose existing skills -- using an oven, measuring ingredients, kneading dough -- and combine them with new ones, like whipping batter and making frosting, to create something entirely different."

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This uneven motion effectively kneads the molten rock and helps generate bubbles.

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While the crossings remain closed, life has regained a semblance of normality, with bakers kneading bread, fruit and vegetable sellers wheeling out their carts, and customers frequenting shops.

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It gives a glimpse of the film's heightened and highly stylised gothic approach, and is full of pent-up tension, shots of bread being suggestively kneaded, and a finger being put into a fish's mouth.

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The trailer includes a topless Elordi toiling outdoors, bread being suggestively kneaded and broken eggs being handled.

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Related Words

• massage 
• rub