verb
knead
need
Knead (verb) means to press, fold, and work a soft mixture (especially dough) with the hands until it becomes smooth and even. Example: “She kneaded the dough for ten minutes until it turned smooth and elastic.”
verb
1
To press, fold, and work a soft mixture (especially dough) with the hands until it becomes smooth and even.
"She kneaded the dough for ten minutes until it turned smooth and elastic."
"He kneaded the sore muscles in her back."
2
Of a cat: to push its paws rhythmically against a soft surface, an instinctive behaviour left over from kittenhood.
"The cat curled up on the blanket, kneading it contentedly before falling asleep."
How to use knead
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo work something soft, usually dough or muscle, by pressing and folding it repeatedly with your hands.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
knead the dough
knead dough by hand
knead a knot out of a muscle
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Word forms
- Plural
- kneads
- Third person singular
- kneads
- Past tense
- kneaded, kneaden, knodden
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the dough for ten minutes until it turned smooth and elastic.
Etymology
From Old English cnedan, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to press together."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for knead
See all rhymes for knead →Frequently asked questions
What does “knead” mean?
The word “knead” means to press, fold, and work a soft mixture (especially dough) with the hands until it becomes smooth and even. In plain terms, to work something soft, usually dough or muscle, by pressing and folding it repeatedly with your hands.
How do you pronounce “knead”?
“Knead” is pronounced need (/niːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “knead” in a sentence?
Here is “knead” used in a sentence: “She kneaded the dough for ten minutes until it turned smooth and elastic.”
What part of speech is “knead”?
“Knead” is a verb.
Where does the word “knead” come from?
The word “knead” comes from Old English. From Old English cnedan, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to press together.".
How many meanings does “knead” have?
“Knead” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to press, fold, and work a soft mixture (especially dough) with the hands until it becomes smooth and even.
