Madeleine
/ˈmæd.ə.lən/noun
A small rich sponge cake, often shell-shaped, traditionally baked in French cuisine.
Did you know?Madeleines are named after Mary Magdalene, and the shell shape is often linked to her as a pilgrim symbol, giving the cake a quietly devotional history.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical era
Aramaic/Greek
Magdalēnē
“Mary of Magdala, a follower of Jesus”
Latin
Latin
Maria Magdalena
“Mary Magdalene”
Old French
Old French
Madeleine
“A female given name derived from Magdalene”
18th Century
French
madeleine
“A small shell-shaped cake, said to be named for a cook or servant named Madeleine”
Modern English
English
madeleine
“A small sponge cake, usually shell-shaped”