sundae
[suhn-dey, -dee]
- ice cream served with syrup poured over it, and often other toppings, as whipped cream, chopped nuts, or fruit.
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Origin of sundae
1890–95, Americanism; perhaps special use of Sunday (with distinctive spelling)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for sundae
Contemporary Examples
The sundae is meant to be a delectable marriage of textures: squishy and crunchy.
One less Democrat in the Senate would make for a nice little cherry on their sundae.
The effect is like eating a sundae and some bacon, not a bacon sundae.
Sundae ingredients are typically small and can be taken in manageable bites for a mouthful of flavor.
Historical Examples
A George Washington sundae, please, with plenty of ‘sundae’ on it.
The Campfire Girls of RoselawnMargaret Penrose
Now take the lady outside, smooth her off and regale her with a lovers' sundae.
Hints to PilgrimsCharles Stephen Brooks
They went into the drug store on the corner and had a sundae apiece.
The Corner House GirlsGrace Brooks Hill
There wasn't any use trying to melt a sundae with it, anyhow.
Wyoming, a Story of the Outdoor WestWilliam MacLeod Raine
Billy Simmons paused in the act of reaching for a sundae glass.
The Sturdy OakSamuel Merwin, et al.
sundae
- ice cream topped with a sweet sauce, nuts, whipped cream, etc
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Word Origin
C20: of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for sundae
n.
1897, American English, thought to be an alteration of Sunday, perhaps re-spelled in deference to religious feelings; but the reason for the name is uncertain; perhaps "ice cream left over from Sunday, on sale later." For a fuller account of the speculations, see H.L. Mencken, "The American Language," Supplement I (1945), pp.376-7.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper