lebkuchen
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of lebkuchen
An Americanism dating back to 1845–50; from German, from Middle High German lebekuoche; see loaf 1, cake
Explanation
Lebkuchen is a German Christmas cookie that's similar to gingerbread. Traditionally, lebkuchen is made with honey and spices, shaped into a soft, round cookie, and glazed with sugar or chocolate. There are many variations on this basic style, including the addition of dried fruit and nuts, various shapes, and even a cake version. The origin of this German word is uncertain, though we know the kuchen part means "cake."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Germans developed weihnachtsplätzchen — an umbrella term for a variety of Christmas cookies, such as lebkuchen, zimtsterne, Schwarz-Weiß-Gebäck shortbreads and the intricate springerle.
From Salon • Dec. 19, 2021
The messenger was Karl Heinz, a jolly red-nosed man who was spreading a gospel of German Christmases past and present: Eat lebkuchen.
From Washington Post • Dec. 9, 2015
"Once considered delicacies found only at trips to Christmas markets, German-style cakes and bakes such as stollen and lebkuchen are now considered festive staples in British shopping baskets," says Marianne Robson, Waitrose's Christmas bakery buyer.
From BBC • Dec. 21, 2014
“Lorissa, go play with your father,” I snapped after she asked me for the fifteenth time whether there was any lebkuchen left.
From Nature • Jul. 22, 2014
It was because of this mystery that the life of Gottlieb Brekel had been imbittered for nearly twenty years—ever since, in fact, his first essay in the compounding of N�rnberger lebkuchen had been made.
From A Romance Of Tompkins Square 1891 by Smedley, W. T. (William Thomas)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
