ladyfinger

American  

[ley-dee-fing-ger] / ˈleɪ diˌfɪŋ gər /

noun

1. a small, finger-shaped sponge cake.

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ladyfinger British  

/ ˈleɪdɪˌfɪŋɡə /

noun

1. a small finger-shaped sponge cake

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Etymology

Origin of ladyfinger

First recorded in 1660–70; lady + finger

Explanation

Don't be horrified if your friend offers you a ladyfinger with your tea — ladyfingers are long, soft cookies, so you don't need to be a cannibal to eat them. Ladyfingers get their name from their finger-like shape, and in Britain they're commonly referred to by the less graceful "sponge fingers." These cookies are soft little cakes made with eggs, flour, and sugar. Truth be told, ladyfingers aren't very exciting on their own, being so mildly flavored and lightly sweetened that they're commonly given to toddlers. Ladyfingers are best used in elaborate desserts like trifle and tiramisu, when they're soaked in syrups and topped with cream, fruit, or chocolate.

Example Sentences

As per Guinness World Record rules, the record-breaking tiramisu was made and assembled live on site, and used 50,000 ladyfinger biscuits and more than 3,000 eggs.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

It’s essentially layers of ladyfinger biscuits soaked in Darjeeling tea, covered in a cardamom orange cream and topped with fresh orange segments and slivered pistachios.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2025

The pair then perfected the dessert by adding ladyfinger sponges soaked in coffee, and sprinkling it with cocoa - calling it Tireme Sù, which translates into English as "pick me up".

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2021

First, how to replicate the slightly crispy, yet soft, ladyfinger?

From Seattle Times • Nov. 5, 2020

With the aid of a spoon, as illustrated, fill the ladyfinger mixture into a pastry bag containing a plain pastry tube.

From Woman's Institute Library of Cookery Volume 4: Salads and Sandwiches; Cold and Frozen Desserts; Cakes, Cookies and Puddings; Pastries and Pies by Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences