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

Other foods also containing fructans are bananas and beans, pistachios, plums, and wheat, which can cause digestive discomfort for some. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2024

It’s recommended the bananas and clam chowder be entirely concealed/submerged once the concrete has set. —Jeff Gibson, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024

Panels depict the ferry, Fire Station #4 and the island’s famed frozen banana stands among others. —Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register, 30 Oct. 2024

Avocado, banana, and bell pepper are examples of foods that some individuals with a latex allergy may be allergic to. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 30 Oct. 2024

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

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