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

Gabe’s the cherry on top of this crazy sundae Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland has been building for months. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2025

The tiramisu comes in a collectible Yankees helmet, like the Petroni sundae, another new dessert item featuring vanilla ice cream, hazelnut hot fudge, cannoli praline crunch and vanilla panna. —Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025

The other is a miso and caramel apple ice cream sundae with a walnut streusel and basil. —John Mariani, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Plus, customers can nab a sundae made from their famous soft serve — all for $7, per the company’s website. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 3 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