Gâteau
Noun
- A rich cake, typically one containing layers of cream or fruit.
Example Sentences
“I want a light vanilla sponge for the main wedding cake, and a smaller chocolate gâteau.”
“Will you pick up the gâteau from the bakery before the party?”
“This dessert is too decadent to be called cake — this is a gâteau.”
Word Origin
French, mid-19th century
Why this word?
From French, “gâteau” translates directly as “cake,” but when the loanword is used in English, it refers to a special kind of cake. “Gâteau” typically describes a decadent, rich cake, with tiers sandwiched between fruit, cream, or frosting, and it’s usually elaborately decorated. In the world of baking, a cake can be any number of things, but a gâteau is a very luxurious cake appropriate for special occasions.