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 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

On a large wall of the Curtis Park shop is an expansive menu of ice cream flavors, fruit freezes, milkshakes and sundae options. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado january 2, Sacbee.com, 2 Jan. 2026

And for the heartwarming cherry on top of this year’s total lack of sundae, Olivia Rodrigo teamed up with Robert Smith at Glastonbury to duet on one of the saddest songs in goth history, and Robert was smiling all the way through it. —Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025

That calls for a mint chocolate chip sundae. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025

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