knead

Definition

To work and press into a mass, usually with the hands; especially, to work, as by repeated pressure with the knuckles, into a well mixed mass, the materials of bread, cake, etc.

Etymology

From Middle English kneden, from Old English cnedan, from Proto-West Germanic *knedan, from Proto-Germanic *knudaną, from Proto-Indo-European *gnet- (“to press together”).

Example Sentences

• "Knead the dough by pressing down on it with the heels of both your palms and pushing it forward to stretch it, then pulling it back toward you..."
• "I will knead him: I'll make him supple."
• "Cats knead with their paws when happy, just as they kneaded when feeding from their mothers as kittens."