The German roots of the word 'marzipan'

'Marzipan' is a word borrowed from German 'Marzipan'. The word entered the English language some time around 1542.

marzipan [noun] [1542]

A confection of crushed almonds or almond paste, sugar, and egg whites that is often shaped into various forms
Meaning: a confection of crushed almonds or almond paste; sugar; and egg whites that is often shaped into various forms.

Etymology: German; from Italian marzapane.

Topics: Food:Sweets.

Origin: From Italian to German to English.

note: A sweet paste of almonds sugar and egg whites used for candies and cakes. Borrowed into English from German Marzipan ultimately from Italian marzapane. Other theories mention a Venetian coin name or an Arabic source.

See 'marzipan' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from German.

See more loan words from 1500s.