madeleine
word
/ˌmædəˈɫɛn/
/ˌmædəˈlɛn/
Definition
A madeleine is a small, shell-shaped French sponge cake, often associated with memories and nostalgia due to its mention in literature.
Usage & Nuances
Most common as a food term but also appears in cultural contexts, especially thanks to Marcel Proust. Not to be confused with 'Magdalene' (a female name or biblical reference). Sometimes used metaphorically for something that triggers memories.
Spanish: magdalena (pastel) - madeleinePortuguese (BR): madeleine (bolo) - madalena (bolo)Portuguese (PT): madeleine (bolo) - madalena (bolo)Chinese (Simplified): 玛德琳蛋糕Chinese (Traditional): 瑪德蓮蛋糕Hindi: मैडलिन (फ्रांसीसी केक)Arabic: مادلين (كعكة فرنسية)Bengali: ম্যাডেলেনRussian: мадленJapanese: マドレーヌVietnamese: bánh madeleineKorean: 마들렌Turkish: madeleine (Fransız keki)Urdu: میڈلین (فرانسیسی کیک)Indonesian: madeleine
Example Sentences
I tried a madeleine at a French bakery.
basic
A madeleine is soft and sweet.
basic
He bought a box of madeleines for dessert.
basic
Whenever I eat a madeleine, I remember childhood holidays.
natural
The smell of freshly baked madeleines filled the house.
natural
Like Proust’s madeleine, that song takes me back in time.
natural