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

That was the cherry on top of Thomas’ despair sundae. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025

The home sits on a high point with pretty views, expansive stone terraces, a walled and grassy garden lined with sculpted plantings, and, the cherry on top of this historic sundae, a swimming pool in the shape of Tuxedo Lake. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025

But just as essential to the steak house experience as the steak itself is the sundae—complex, frilly, multicolored, slightly absurd, an indulgence earned through innocence rather than through brute force. —Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025

An attempt to get a free birthday sundae at Friendly’s turned into a satanic ritual, with Lady Gaga serving as both waitress and master of ceremonies in the Saturday Night Live sketch. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 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