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

Derived Forms

• ˈkneader, noun

Other Words From

• kneada·ble adjective
• kneada·bili·ty noun
• kneader noun
• kneading·ly adverb
• re·knead verb (used with object)
• un·kneaded 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

COMFIER The Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager uses slow, targeted movements to knead the back, shoulders, neck, and thighs.

From Popular-Science

These recipes may be just different enough that no-knead bread is less a technique than a broader concept, but only one of them, in the end, became the default.

From Eater

To use, let the head of the massager glide over your skin, kneading the targeted muscle for a minute or two.

From Outside Online

Once the dough is combined, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.

From Eater

“He had his arm around her and was kind of kneading her shoulder,” Gilmore said.

From ProPublica

Mix together then knead to make a soft, smooth, elastic dough.

From The Daily Beast

Pour in the chicken stock and knead with your hands until the bread is very moist, actually wet.

From The Daily Beast

The chocolate is put in large conching machines that spin it though whirling blades to knead it for hours.

From The Daily Beast

One may see the ferocious small animal knead the dead bee for half an hour, squeeze him like a lemon, drink him out like a gourd.

From Project Gutenberg

Knead over the bits that are left from cutting the biscuits out until all the dough has been used.

From Project Gutenberg

Knead it on the board till it is very fine and smooth; raise over night.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not necessary to knead bread more than once to secure lightness.

From Project Gutenberg

The bread now being ready to knead, Miss Corson recurred to that subject.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• massage
• rub