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Macaroon: meaning, definitions and examples

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macaroon

 

[ ˌmækəˈrun ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

culinary context

A macaroon is a small cake or a confection made primarily of ground almonds or coconut, sugar, and egg whites. They are often chewy in texture and are sometimes dipped in chocolate. Unlike the similar French macarons, which are made with almond flour and have a smooth texture, macaroons are denser. They are commonly associated with Jewish cuisine, especially during Passover, when they are made without flour.

Synonyms

almond macaroon, biscuit, coconut macaroon

Examples of usage

  • I baked chocolate-dipped macaroons for the party.
  • The coconut macaroons were the highlight of the dessert table.
  • She prefers almond macaroons over any other sweet treat.

Etymology

The word 'macaroon' originates from the Italian word 'maccarone' or 'maccherone', which means 'paste' or 'dough'. This term references the almond paste that forms the base of many macaroon recipes. The dessert spread across Europe, particularly to France and England, where various versions were created, often featuring different nuts and flavors. By the 18th century, macaroons were popular in French cuisine, and they were often made with ground almonds. The coconut variety emerged later, especially in the United States, where they became a beloved treat. Over time, the spelling and preparation of the macaroon evolved, but its essential characteristics as a sweet, chewy confection remained.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,240, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.