banana

noun

ba·​nana bə-ˈna-nə 

especially British -ˈnä-

1

: an elongated usually tapering tropical fruit with soft pulpy flesh enclosed in a soft usually yellow rind

a bunch of bananas

slipped on a banana peel

2

: any of several widely cultivated perennial often treelike herbs (genus Musa of the family Musaceae, the banana family) bearing bananas in compact pendent bunches

Illustration of banana

• banana 2

Examples of banana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The random assortment of products come to his stores in mixed banana boxes. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026

Ajimal noted that mills are exploring fibers like pineapple, banana, soy, ramie and silk blends—alternatives that offer various natural properties, promote recyclability and even biodegradability—though they’re being adopted at a much slower pace. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2026

There’s also a Get Rich mask filled with a mix of avocado, coconut, banana extract and aloe vera. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2026

This dessert has everything Grandpa loves about banana pudding, but in a delicious pie form. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish or Portuguese; Spanish, from Portuguese, of African origin; akin to Wolof banaana banana

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing banana

• banana bread
• banana clip
• banana oil
• banana pepper
• banana republic
• banana seat
• banana split
• second banana
• slip on a banana skin/peel
• top banana

Rhymes for banana

• arana
• arcana
• bandana
• bandanna
• brahmana
• cabana
• campana
• diana
• fianna
• hosanna
• hyaena
• lantana

Kids Definition

banana

noun

ba·​nana bə-ˈnan-ə 

: a treelike tropical plant with large leaves and flower clusters that develop into a bunch of finger-shaped fruit which are usually yellow when ripe

also : its fruit