sourdough

noun

sour·​dough ˈsau̇(-ə)r-ˌdō How to pronounce sourdough (audio)
sense 1 is also -ˈdō
1
: a leaven consisting of dough in which fermentation is active
2
[from the use of sourdough for making bread in prospectors' camps] : a veteran inhabitant and especially an old-time prospector of Alaska or northwestern Canada

Examples of sourdough in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other recalled food items include specific granola, soup kits, salad dressing, spice mixes, and sourdough bread. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Sicily’s Pizzeria & Subs Sicily’s, known for its sourdough crust, has been feeding Detroit since 1989. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 18 Aug. 2026 Country bread, sourdough, ciabatta, and crusty baguettes are all dependable choices. — Lillian Syme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 The same visual shorthand—a sourdough loaf, an apron or a backyard flock—can attract viewers looking for very different things. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sourdough

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sourdough was in the 14th century

Rhymes for sourdough

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Browse Nearby Words

sour dook
sourdough
soured cream
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sourdough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sourdough. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sourdough

noun
sour·​dough ˈsau̇(ə)r-ˌdō How to pronounce sourdough (audio)
1
: a dough in which fermentation is active and which is used to start fermentation in other dough (as in making bread)
2
: an old-time prospector in Alaska or northwestern Canada
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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