madeleineEnglishOxford Dictionary of Englishmadeleine /ˈmadəlɪn , ˈmadəleɪn , madˈlɛn / ▸ noun a small rich sponge cake, baked in a fluted tin or mould and decorated with coconut and jam. – ORIGIN early 19th century: French, of uncertain origin; said to be named after a pastry cook called Madeleine Paulnier or Paumier.