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

For dessert, treat yourself to a strawberry rhubarb sundae with vegan vanilla gelato. —Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025

Tariffs are the cherry on top of the teetering sundae. —Amelia Arvesen, Outside Online, 16 Apr. 2025

That the finale brings in an absolute ringer for a delicate monologue about death (delivered with the giddiness of a kid on Christmas morning) is the cherry on top of casting director Jeannie Bacharach’s sundae. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025

Battery life is the cherry on top of the sundae, with up to 24 hours on a single charge. —K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of Sunday

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sundae

• hot fudge sundae
• ice cream sundae

Kids Definition

sundae

noun

sun·​dae ˈsən-dē 

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