sundae

noun

sun·​dae ˈsən-(ˌ)dā  -dē 

plural sundaes

: a dish consisting of ice cream served with toppings (such as crushed fruit, syrup, nuts, or whipped cream)

… at about 700 locations, the company is testing "dessert stations" behind the counter where employees can make sundaes topped with cake or brownie chunks.

—Candice Choi

According to the legend, the ice-cream sundae was first concocted in 1881 at a soda fountain at 1404 15th Street, Two Rivers. The addition of chocolate increased its cost, and to limit the demand, it was sold on Sunday only.

—David Woodward

On the sweet side, area eateries have plenty of tempting treats to help you keep your cool—like the "Unicorn Junior," a tasty, quirky take on the traditional ice cream sundae made with cotton candy ice cream, marshmallow sauce and a magical scoop of Lucky Charms.

—Kathy Bossa

Examples of sundae in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The martinis are ice cold, the sundae legendary, and the pigs in a blanket are a real highlight. —Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026

Then, step into the historic Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop—where chocolatiers craft glossy bars and hand-pour truffles with finite precision—creating the legendary hot fudge sundae. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

One celebrated local ritual is the shime-parfait — the practice of concluding a night of eating with a decadent sundae. —New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026

The coffee is thick, like a sundae, with a blend of Arabica and Robusta dripped into a dense layer of yogurt. —Arundhati Hazra, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of Sunday

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sundae

• hot fudge sundae

Kids Definition

sundae

noun

sun·​dae ˈsən-dē 

: a serving of ice cream topped with fruit, syrup, or nuts