1
a
: a substance (such as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid
especially
: sourdough
b
: a material (such as baking powder) used to produce a gas that lightens dough or batter
2
: something that modifies or lightens
leavened; leavening
ˈle-və-niŋ 
ˈlev-niŋ
1
: to raise (something, such as bread) with a leaven
2
: to mingle or permeate with some modifying, alleviating, or vivifying element
Examples of leaven in a Sentence
Noun
a serious book that includes a few humorous stories as leaven
Verb
He needs to leaven his speeches with more humor.
using yeast to leaven the dough
Recent Examples on the Web
Irene Richardson, Country Living, 12 Mar. 2023
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 22 July 2024
Christina’s naturally leavened bread and handmade pastries have gained a loyal following, with standout items like chocolate babka and seasonal, savory open-faced croissants.
—Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leaven 
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Noun
Today, 3,000 years later, those who practice Passover attend a meal ritual known as Seder in homes, avoiding leaven, and retell that Exodus story.
—Irene Richardson, Country Living, 12 Mar. 2023
Verb
And throughout, there’s a balance of tones, especially in the broad sweep of side characters who often leaven the overall sense of doom.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 22 July 2024
Christina’s naturally leavened bread and handmade pastries have gained a loyal following, with standout items like chocolate babka and seasonal, savory open-faced croissants.
—Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leaven
Dictionary Entries Near leaven
Cite this Entry
“Leaven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaven. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
leaven
1 of 2 noun
leav·en
ˈlev-ən
1
a
: a substance (as yeast) used to produce a gaseous fermentation (as in dough)
b
: a material (as baking powder) used to produce a gas that makes dough or batter rise and become light
2
: something that changes slightly or lightens a mass or whole
leaven
2 of 2 verb
leavened; leavening
ˈlev-(ə-)niŋ
1
: to raise (dough) with a leaven
2
: to mix or spread throughout with leaven
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