Definition

Noun: A small, finger-shaped sponge cake, typically light and dry in texture, often used in desserts like tiramisu or served with tea or coffee.

Usage

• As a countable noun: Refers to individual cakes.
  • The recipe calls for twelve ladyfingers to line the bottom of the pan.
  • She arranged the ladyfingers neatly on the dessert plate.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Context: The term is almost exclusively used in cooking and baking contexts to specify this particular type of cake.
  • The chef's secret was using almond-flavored ladyfingers in the trifle.

Variants and Related Words

• Sponge finger: A direct synonym, commonly used in British English.
• Boudoir biscuit: Another term for the same item, used in some regions.
• Savoiardi: The Italian name for ladyfingers, often used in recipes for authenticity.

Synonyms

• Sponge finger
• Boudoir biscuit
• Savoiardi (Italian)

Notes on Meaning

This word refers specifically to the baked good. It is a compound noun formed from "lady" and "finger," but it is treated as a single lexical unit with this specific culinary meaning. It is not used to describe a part of the human body.

Noun

1. small finger-shaped sponge cake