leaven meaning

leaven as a noun

1. an influence that works subtly to lighten or modify something
   • his sermons benefited from a leavening of humor

   Synonyms: leavening

   Type of: imponderable

2. a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid

   Synonyms: leavening

   Type of: substance

   Kinds: baking powder, sourdough, yeast

leaven as a verb

1. cause to puff up with a leaven
   • unleavened bread

   Synonyms: raise, prove

   Type of: raise

How to pronounce leaven

leaven is pronounced /ˈlɛvən/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.

Words that rhyme with leaven

• seven
• eleven
• heaven