# flour

/ˈfɫaʊɝ/ (US) · /flˈaʊə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flour
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. baking powder

noun · CEFR A2

a fine white or brown powder made from grain, used to make bread, cakes, and pasta.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to coat with powder

verb · CEFR B2

to put a thin layer of flour on a surface or on food so it does not stick.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. fine industrial powder

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

any very fine powder made by grinding a solid material.

For teachers: a fine powder produced by the grinding of any soft or crystalline substance.

- 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.

## Examples

- You need two cups of flour to bake this bread.
- The baker dusted the wooden table with flour before he started kneading the heavy dough.
- While all-purpose flour is suitable for most home baking, professional pastry chefs often prefer specialized varieties with specific protein contents to achieve the perfect texture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.