Dough Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dough
dough
Definitions
baking ingredient
Dough is a mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients that is kneaded into a smooth, elastic mass and is used to make bread, pastry, and other baked goods.
Synonyms
batter, mixture, paste, paste.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dough |
Use 'dough' primarily when referring to a mixture of flour and other ingredients that is kneaded and used to make bread, pizza, or pastries.
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| paste |
Use 'paste' for a thick, sticky substance that is made by mixing ingredients together, often used in cooking and also in crafts or construction.
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| batter |
Use 'batter' when talking about a liquid mixture of ingredients such as flour, milk, and eggs, typically used for pancakes, cakes, or for coating food before frying.
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| mixture |
Use 'mixture' for a combination of different ingredients or things, which can describe various types of food as well as non-food substances.
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Examples of usage
- The baker is preparing the dough for the bread.
- She rolled out the dough to make cookies.
slang for money
Dough is a slang term used to refer to money or cash.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dough |
Often used informally or slang for money. Suitable for casual conversations.
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| money |
A general term for any form of currency, suitable for both formal and informal situations.
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| cash |
Refers specifically to physical money, like coins and bills. Used in everyday situations.
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| currency |
A formal term referring to the money system of a country. Often used in official or financial contexts.
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| bucks |
A very informal way to refer to dollars, commonly used in the United States.
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Examples of usage
- I need to earn some more dough to pay my bills.
- He made a lot of dough from his successful business.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “dough”
Dough is a 1-syllable noun. It is pronounced /ˈdoʊ/ in American English and /dˈəʊ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 8 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #9,642 among the most common English words.
Did you know?
“dough” in culinary arts
- There are countless types of dough, like bread dough, pastry dough, and pizza dough, each with different ingredients and uses.
- Different cultures have unique recipes for dough; for example, Italian pasta dough uses eggs, while typical bread dough doesn’t.
- The techniques for kneading dough can differ based on the desired texture—more kneading makes for chewier bread, while less makes for flaky pastries.
“dough” in science
- The process of rising in yeast dough is caused by fermentation, where yeast consumes sugars and produces carbon dioxide gas.
- Gluten, a protein formed when flour mixes with water, gives dough its stretchy quality, allowing it to rise and hold shape.
- Temperature affects how quickly dough rises; warmer environments speed up fermentation, while colder ones slow it down.
“dough” in cultural significance
- In many cultures, baking bread is a traditional family activity, creating a strong bond and preserving heritage.
- The phrase 'money for dough' refers to cash, highlighting dough's colloquial link to value and sustenance in society.
- Cooking shows often feature dough-making, emphasizing its importance in connection to home cooking and baking traditions.
“dough” in pop culture
- Dough has been featured in popular movies like 'The Great British Bake Off,' showcasing competitive baking focused on dough-based recipes.
- In cartoons, characters often engage in silly antics with dough, emphasizing its fun and playful qualities, especially in kids' shows.
- Internet memes often reference dough in humorous ways, such as using 'dough' as a slang term for easy money, reflecting its dual meaning.
Origin of 'dough'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'dough' comes from the Old English word 'dag' which means kneaded bread.
- Related words in other languages, such as 'masa' in Spanish and 'pasta' in Italian, refer to similar mixtures, showing cultural connections.
- In Old Norse, the word 'deig' refers to 'dough,' showing how languages evolve but keep some core meanings.
The word 'dough' originated from Middle English 'doʊ', from Old English 'dāh', meaning 'piece of bread'. The use of 'dough' to refer to money or cash likely stems from the idea of 'bread' as a slang term for money, signifying sustenance or livelihood.