leavening

American  

[lev-uh-ning] / ˈlɛv ə nɪŋ /

noun

1. Also called leavening agent.  a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or batter; leaven.

2. the act or process of causing to ferment by leaven.

3. leaven.

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Etymology

Origin of leavening

First recorded in 1600–10; leaven + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The film’s comedy won’t appeal to all tastes, but some will welcome the leavening effect it has on the movie’s more frightening aspects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

They are also what make it rise in the absence of other leavening agents.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2024

You would think all the leavening would make it light, but the weight of the other ingredients created 4-pound pancakes, which were so thick that the inside could only cook if the outside was burnt.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2023

But I do depart from my standard in one major way: Swirled brownies need leavening.

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2022

Made without salt, spices, leavening, or preservatives, masa must be cooked within a few hours of being ground, and the tortilla should be eaten soon after it is cooked.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann