sourdough

American  

[souuhr-doh, sou-er-] / ˈsaʊərˌdoʊ, ˈsaʊ ər- /

noun

1. fermented dough retained from one baking and used as leaven, rather than fresh yeast, to start the next.

2. bread leavened with this fermented dough.

   Pick up a loaf of sourdough and a baguette, too.

3. a prospector or pioneer, especially in Alaska or Canada.

4. any longtime resident, especially in Alaska or Canada.

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adjective

1. leavened with sourdough.

   sourdough bread.

sourdough British  

/ ˈsaʊəˌdəʊ /

adjective

1. dialect (of bread) made with fermented dough used as a leaven

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noun

1. (in Western US, Canada, and Alaska) an old-time prospector or pioneer

Etymology

Origin of sourdough

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English: literally, “leaven, leavened bread” ; sour, dough

Example Sentences

Bread has been a dietary staple for thousands of years, and sourdough is experiencing a renewed surge in popularity.

From Science Daily

I break grilled sourdough, dip a bit then a lot, doing a side dance with the spoon.

From Salon

He disappeared into the cabin and returned with a platter of sourdough pancakes two inches thick and a jug of honey.

From Literature

I was reminded of that one morning last month, when I walked to the bakery one block from home to pick up sourdough bread, then strolled to the family-run grocery for fresh herbs.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Giving away sourdough became this super chill, five-minute interaction where I could meet someone, hand them a loaf, and just feel out the vibe without committing to a whole date,” she said.

From Salon

Related Words

• cake
• crepe
• waffle