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

• kneadable adjective
• kneadability noun
• kneader 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

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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

In a world that often feels bleak, and where domestic pleasures are increasingly dismissed as “trad-wifery,” it’s heartening to see one of the most powerful women in the world kneading a rainbow-speckled funfetti loaf.

From Salon

Workers don't like to wake up early to knead dough by hand, Mr Hur says softly.

From BBC

I remember standing in my kitchen alone, elbows dusted with flour, watching a dozen strangers knead dough on Zoom.

From Salon

Related Words

• massage 
• rub