banana

ba-na-na · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A long curved yellow fruit that grows in clusters and has soft, sweet flesh.

  2. 2.

    The tropical plant that produces this fruit.

  3. 3.

    [informal]A foolish person.

Forms

plural: bananas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    banana republic — A small, politically unstable country dependent on a single export.
  • •
    go bananas — To become crazy or very excited.
  • •
    banana split — A dessert made with a split banana and ice cream.
  • •
    top banana — The leading comedian or person in charge.
  • •
    second banana — A supporting performer or subordinate.
  • •
    slip on a banana peel — To have an embarrassing accident.

Related words

See also: fruit, plantain, tropical

Etymology

From Portuguese banana, probably from a West African language such as Wolof banaana.