banana split

American  

noun

1. an elaborate confection, typically consisting of a banana sliced lengthwise, on top of which are placed two or more scoops of ice cream, fruit or other syrup, and a topping of whipped cream, nuts, and a maraschino cherry.

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banana split British  

noun

1. a dish of ice cream and banana cut in half lengthwise, usually topped with syrup, nuts, whipped cream, etc

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Etymology

Origin of banana split

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Save room for the inventive desserts like the banana split topped with cotton candy.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

Once it’s frozen, scoop this delightful ice cream into cones or mound it on a sundae or banana split.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 24, 2023

For dessert, guests can chow down on a banana split, lemon bar ice cream, and mint ginger snap cookies.

From Washington Times • Apr. 24, 2023

The dessert is a deconstructed banana split with lemon bar ice cream, fresh berries, mint ginger snap cookie crumble and "Doenjang caramel."

From Reuters • Apr. 24, 2023

And a man with a cone-shaped head sitting in a banana split dish rowing with a spoon.

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt