Dough is a paste made out of any cereals (grains) or leguminous crops by grinding with small amount of water. This step was a precursor to making of breads, pastries and cookies.

In many parts of central India, native people, use the quick method of making an instant roasted dough ball or bati. Flat unleavened breads known as roti, lavash, matzo, and tortilla are in use many parts of the world today.

Leavened or fermented dough, made from dry ground grain cereals or legumes mixed with water and yeast are in use all over the world. These includes all kinds of breads made from wheat, maize, rice and other cereals or similar crops used today in the world.

"Dough" can also be a slang term for money.