Definition of SOURDOUGH

sourdough

Meanings

Plural: sourdoughs

Noun

  • a leaven of dough in which fermentation is active; used by pioneers for making bread
  • a settler or prospector (especially in western United States or northwest Canada and Alaska)
  • A type of bread dough leavened with yeast and lactobacilli that produce acids giving a sour taste.
  • An old-timer, especially in Alaska.
  • A permanent resident of the territory. Someone who has lived in the Yukon during all four seasons.
  • A 49er, a California Gold Rush miner.
  • Leaven; an agent that makes dough rise.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English sour dogh, equivalent to sour + dough, compare German Sauerteig. The senses pertaining to California, Alaska and the Yukon derive from the distinctive pouches of bread starter (starter dough used to make sourdough) worn on a belt or around the neck by experienced prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush and California Gold Rush.

Synonyms

sourdough bread

Antonyms

cheechako

Scrabble Score: 14

sourdough is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
sourdough is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
sourdough is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

sourdough is a valid Words With Friends word