Knead

/niːd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To work dough or clay into a uniform mixture by repeatedly folding, squeezing, and stretching.

To make the bread dough rise properly, you need to knead it for at least ten minutes.

To massage or press something with the hands in a rhythmic manner.

She likes to knead her shoulders after a long day of work to relieve tension.

To manipulate or work with the hands to create or shape a substance.

The potter will knead the clay before shaping it on the wheel.

Middle English 'kneden', from Old English 'cnedan' meaning to press or massage.

knead the dough

To work dough through pressing and folding.

knead out

To work out lumps or inconsistencies in a material.

knead and rise

A process of working dough that allows it to rise properly.

dough

A mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients used for baking.

clay

A natural, earthy material used for modeling and crafting.

massage

To manipulate the body tissues by rubbing and kneading.

To exert effort in a situation.

I had to knead my way through all that paperwork.