sundae

American  

[suhn-dey, -dee] / ˈsʌn deɪ, -di /

noun

1. ice cream served with syrup poured over it, and often other toppings, as whipped cream, chopped nuts, or fruit.

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sundae British  

/ ˈsʌndɪ, -deɪ /

noun

1. ice cream topped with a sweet sauce, nuts, whipped cream, etc

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Etymology

Origin of sundae

1890–95, perhaps special use of Sunday (with distinctive spelling)

Explanation

A sundae is a delicious ice cream concoction that might include hot fudge or caramel sauce, nuts, and whipped cream. You can order a sundae any day of the week. When you put ice cream in a dish, drip a sweet topping over it (like strawberry sauce or chocolate syrup), and add a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry, you've got a sundae. There are several competing stories about the origin of the sundae (and its name). One is that Illinois' outlawing of soda drinking on Sundays led to the dessert's invention. Several towns claim to be the sundae's birthplace, including New York City; Plainfield, Illinois; and New Orleans.

Example Sentences

Champagne, an ice-cream sundae cart and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding were scrumptious.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

We decide to splurge and get their vegan chocolate sundae.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2025

And one of my favorite things to have — and it’s been this way for a long time — is a hot fudge sundae.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2024

With a flowing coat like a vanilla-and-caramel ice cream sundae that’s melting onto the table, the dog looked up at his handler with the sweet expression that’s prized in the breed.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024

And not only a sundae or some sweet to eat—but something real.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers