English Reference
Noun

sourdough

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate UK /sˈaʊədəʊ/ sour·dough UK spelling sourdoughs

n.a type of bread made using a natural mix of wild yeast and bacteria. It has a slightly tangy taste and a chewy texture.

n.a leavening agent consisting of a fermented mixture of flour and water, used to bake bread. It imparts a distinct acidic flavor and improved shelf life compared to commercial yeast.


SIMPLE

I love the tangy flavor of sourdough bread.

CONTEXTUAL

The baker spent months cultivating a sourdough starter to ensure the bread had a deep, complex flavor.

COMPLEX

While commercial yeast provides a faster rise, sourdough requires a longer fermentation period, allowing the lactic acid bacteria to develop the bread's signature sour profile and dense crumb structure.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated