knead
verb
ˈnēd 
kneaded; kneading; kneads
transitive verb
1
a
: to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands
kneading dough
b
: to manipulate or massage with a kneading motion
kneaded sore neck muscles
2
: to form or shape by or as if by kneading
kneadable
ˈnē-də-bəl
adjective kneader noun
Example Sentences
Knead the dough until it is smooth.
Recent Examples on the Web Switch to the dough hook and knead on low for 5 minutes, adding remaining ¼ cup flour if needed. 
Journal Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Pour in the melted butter, then knead for a few more minutes, until the fat has been worked thoroughly into the now-golden dough. Ruby Tandoh, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2022 According to pet food company Purina, many cats exhibit this behavior, which consists of the rhythmic pushing of their paws in and out on a surface — much like the motion a baker would use to knead bread or make biscuits. Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 19 June 2022 Repeat the steps to knead, oil, and let the dough rise. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 July 2022 Get in there with your hands and knead the dough 8 to 10 times, bringing it together into a smooth dough ball. Stephanie Pearson, Outside Online, 1 July 2022 In separate bowl, beat yolks into 3 tablespoons of the sour cream, then stir into dough mixture and knead until well mixed. Cathy Jakicic, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9 May 2022 Explaining other pet behaviors:Why do cats knead you? Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 6 July 2022 Alternatively, knead the dough until smooth and soft, 15 to 20 minutes (this depends on the outside temperature). CNN, 22 May 2022 See More
Journal Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Pour in the melted butter, then knead for a few more minutes, until the fat has been worked thoroughly into the now-golden dough. Ruby Tandoh, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2022 According to pet food company Purina, many cats exhibit this behavior, which consists of the rhythmic pushing of their paws in and out on a surface — much like the motion a baker would use to knead bread or make biscuits. Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 19 June 2022 Repeat the steps to knead, oil, and let the dough rise. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 July 2022 Get in there with your hands and knead the dough 8 to 10 times, bringing it together into a smooth dough ball. Stephanie Pearson, Outside Online, 1 July 2022 In separate bowl, beat yolks into 3 tablespoons of the sour cream, then stir into dough mixture and knead until well mixed. Cathy Jakicic, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9 May 2022 Explaining other pet behaviors:Why do cats knead you? Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 6 July 2022 Alternatively, knead the dough until smooth and soft, 15 to 20 minutes (this depends on the outside temperature). CNN, 22 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English kneden, from Old English cnedan; akin to Old High German knetan to knead
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Kids Definition
knead
verb
ˈnēd
kneaded; kneading
1
: to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands
You must knead the dough before baking.
2
: massage entry 2
knead
verb
as in to pat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- pat
- mold
- form
- work
- model
- planish
- fashion
- chase
- hammer
- stamp
- carve
- chisel
- coin
- mint
- sculpt
- pound
- draw
- sculpture
- forge
- beat
- hew
- cut
- knap
- abate
- grave
- boast