leavening

noun

leav·en·ing ˈle-və-niŋ

ˈlev-niŋ

Synonyms of leavening

: a leavening agent : leaven

Examples of leavening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

For recipes where cocoa isn't reacting with leavening, like frosting, pudding, hot chocolate, or sauces, swapping is usually fine. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 May 2026 Chametz includes any food or drink that contains even a trace of wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives, and which wasn’t guarded from leavening or fermentation. — Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026 Resting the batter gives the flour time to fully hydrate, allows the gluten to relax, and lets the leavening distribute evenly—all of which translate to better rise in the pan. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2026 On the other hand, chemical leavening destroys both the beneficial microbes and the metabolites. — Caroline Tien, SELF, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leavening

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of leavening was in 1626

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Browse Nearby Words

leaven

leavening

leavenless

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Leavening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leavening. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

leavening

noun

: a leavening agent : leaven entry 1 sense 1

leavening

noun

Examples of leavening in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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