Word
flour
US/ˈfɫaʊɝ/
UK/flˈaʊə/
Definitions
01baking powder
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun Cooking
n. a fine white or brown powder made from grain, used to make bread, cakes, and pasta.
n. a fine powder obtained by milling cereal grains, typically wheat, used as the primary structural ingredient in baking and confectionery.
“Sift the flour into a large bowl before adding the eggs and milk.”
“The recipe calls for strong bread flour, which has a higher protein content necessary for developing a chewy texture in the crust.”
Usage
Usually uncountable, but can be countable when referring to specific varieties or brands.
Pitfall
I need two flours for the cake.
I need two bags of flour for the cake.
Flour is usually uncountable. Use 'bags of' or 'grams of' to count it, unless referring to different types of flour.
Synonyms
02to coat with powder
B2 · Upper Intermediate Cooking
v. to put a thin layer of flour on a surface or on food so it does not stick.
v. to coat a surface, utensil, or food item with a thin layer of flour to prevent adhesion during preparation.
“Lightly flour the work surface before you start rolling out the dough.”
“After chilling the pastry, flour the rolling pin thoroughly to ensure the delicate dough does not tear while being flattened.”
Usage
Transitive verb that always takes a direct object.
03fine industrial powder
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. any very fine powder made by grinding a solid material.
n. a fine powder produced by the grinding of any soft or crystalline substance.
日本語:粉※
“The machine grinds the wood into a fine flour used for making composite boards.”
“The industrial process involves reducing the mineral to a fine flour before it can be effectively integrated into the chemical solution.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “flour” in context.
Verb
01. dust the surface with flour
“Dust the surface with flour so the bread dough doesn't stick to the table.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
02. mix the flour with water
“Slowly mix the flour with water until you have a smooth dough.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
03. sift the flour
“You should sift the flour into the bowl to remove any lumps before mixing.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. plain flour
“This cake recipe requires plain flour rather than the self-raising kind.”
adj + noun
05. wholemeal flour
“Wholemeal flour is healthier because it contains more fiber than white flour.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. bag of flour
“I bought a two-kilogram bag of flour to make several loaves of bread.”
measure + of + noun
07. wheat flour
“Most traditional breads are made primarily with wheat flour.”
noun + noun
Etymology
Spelled (until about 1830) and meaning flower in the sense of flour being the "finest portion of ground grain" (compare French fleur de farine, fine fleur). Doublet of fleur, flor, and flower. Partially displaced native meal. The U.S. standard of identity comes from 21CFR137.105.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/flour
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0