Madeleine

How to Split "Madeleine" into Syllables

The word Madeleine is divided into 4 syllables: ma·de·lei·ne. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• ma — 1st syllable
• de — 2nd syllable
• lei — 3rd syllable
• ne — 4th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of Madeleine:

• IPA: /ˈmad(ə)lɪn/

📖 Definitions

1. A French type of small gateau or sponge cake, often shaped like an elongated scallop shell.
2. “madeleine”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.

📚 Word Origin & History

Unadapted borrowing from French madeleine, from earlier gâteau à la Madeleine, after the given name Madeleine (“Magdalene”), of uncertain reference: attributed in some sources to a 19th-century pastry cook Madeleine Paulmier, whose existence is now considered dubious. In sense 2, used with reference to the cake's function in the extract below, taken from Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time. Unadapted borrowing from French madeleine. From earlier gâteau à la Madeleine, after the given ...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down Madeleine into syllables helps with:

• Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
• Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
• Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
• Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
• Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare Madeleine with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word	Syllables	Division
Madeleine	4	ma·de·lei·ne
middlemen	2	middle-men
Mendelian	3	men-de-lian
methylene	4	me-thy-le-ne
Madelyn	3	ma-de-lyn

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to Madeleine:

mad, made, mad's, madam, Madge, madame, madcap, Madden.