knead

American  

[need] / nid /

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.

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knead British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of knead

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

Example Sentences

Maggie stopped kneading, washed her hands, then covered her bowl with the cloths.

From Literature

In a truck parked in the Kyiv region, Loic Nervi kneaded the dough vigorously before sliding dozens of tins into the oven -- loaves that will later be handed out to Ukrainians.

From Barron's

There are close-ups of hands kneading dough, a snail sliming its way up a window and Cathy prodding a jellied fish with her finger.

From Los Angeles Times

He took that wood and he rolled it around in his hands, like he was kneading bread dough.

From Literature

Mal sat in the shade of a rock, kneading at her legs with sharp little fingers.

From Literature

Related Words

• massage
• rub