Dough: meaning, definitions and examples

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dough

[doʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. She rolled out the dough to make a delicious pizza The bread dough needs to rise for an hour
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. She used tomato paste for the pasta sauce The children made a paper mâché project with flour and water paste
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. He poured the pancake batter onto the hot griddle The fish was dipped in batter and then fried to a golden brown
mixture	Use 'mixture' for a combination of different ingredients or things, which can describe various types of food as well as non-food substances. The cake mixture should be smooth before you bake it The paint mixture creates a unique color for the walls

Examples of usage

The baker is preparing the dough for the bread.
She rolled out the dough to make cookies.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang for money

Dough is a slang term used to refer to money or cash.

Synonyms

bucks, cash, currency, money.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dough	Often used informally or slang for money. Suitable for casual conversations. I need to save some dough for the trip She's making a lot of dough from her new job
money	A general term for any form of currency, suitable for both formal and informal situations. How much money do you have? She earns a lot of money
cash	Refers specifically to physical money, like coins and bills. Used in everyday situations. Do you have any cash on you? I prefer to pay in cash
currency	A formal term referring to the money system of a country. Often used in official or financial contexts. The local currency is the euro Currency exchange rates fluctuate daily
bucks	A very informal way to refer to dollars, commonly used in the United States. Can you lend me twenty bucks? It only costs ten bucks

Examples of usage

I need to earn some more dough to pay my bills.
He made a lot of dough from his successful business.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "dough" in other languages:

🇵🇹 massa

🇮🇳 आटा

आटे का मिश्रण
गूंथा आटा

🇩🇪 Teig

🇮🇩 adonan

🇺🇦 тісто

🇵🇱 ciasto

🇯🇵 生地（きじ）

🇫🇷 pâte

🇪🇸 masa

🇹🇷 hamur

🇰🇷 반죽

🇸🇦 عجينة

🇨🇿 těsto

🇸🇰 cesto

🇨🇳 面团 (miàntuán)

🇸🇮 testo

🇮🇸 deig

🇰🇿 қамыр

🇬🇪 ცომი (ts'omi)

🇦🇿 xəmir

🇲🇽 masa

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,642 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9639 apostle
9640 onward
9641 precluded
9642 dough
9643 expectancy
9644 salvage
9645 infested
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