A1 noun Neutral #1,754 most common

banana

/bəˈnæn.ə/

A banana is a long, curved fruit with a thick yellow skin and soft, sweet flesh inside. It is a popular tropical fruit that is easy to peel and eat raw as a snack.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I usually eat a banana for a quick energy boost before my morning workout.

I usually eat a banana for a quick energy boost before my morning workout.

2

The agricultural report indicates a significant increase in banana exports this quarter.

The agricultural report indicates a significant increase in banana exports this quarter.

3

Do you want the last banana, or should I take it?

Do you want the last banana, or should I take it?

Word Family

Noun
banana
Adjective
bananalike
Related
plantain
💡

Memory Tip

Visualize the 'B' in Banana as a curved yellow fruit, or remember the catchy song 'B-A-N-A-N-A-S' by Gwen Stefani.

Quick Quiz

You should _____ the banana before you eat the soft fruit inside.

Correct!

The correct answer is: peel

Examples

1

I usually eat a banana for a quick energy boost before my morning workout.

everyday

I usually eat a banana for a quick energy boost before my morning workout.

2

The agricultural report indicates a significant increase in banana exports this quarter.

formal

The agricultural report indicates a significant increase in banana exports this quarter.

3

Do you want the last banana, or should I take it?

informal

Do you want the last banana, or should I take it?

4

The chemical composition of a banana provides a high concentration of potassium and vitamin B6.

academic

The chemical composition of a banana provides a high concentration of potassium and vitamin B6.

5

Our supply chain ensures that bananas reach the supermarket while they are still fresh.

business

Our supply chain ensures that bananas reach the supermarket while they are still fresh.

Word Family

Noun
banana
Adjective
bananalike
Related
plantain

Common Collocations

ripe banana ripe banana
peel a banana peel a banana
a bunch of bananas a bunch of bananas
banana bread banana bread
banana smoothie banana smoothie

Common Phrases

go bananas

to become very excited or angry

top banana

the most important person in a group

banana skin

an embarrassing mistake or hazard

Often Confused With

banana vs plantain

Plantains are larger, starchier, and usually need to be cooked, whereas bananas are sweet and eaten raw.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'a banana' for the individual fruit and 'a bunch of bananas' when they are still connected at the stem.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget that 'banana' is a countable noun and might say 'I like eat banana' instead of 'I like eating bananas'.

💡

Memory Tip

Visualize the 'B' in Banana as a curved yellow fruit, or remember the catchy song 'B-A-N-A-N-A-S' by Gwen Stefani.

📖

Word Origin

The word is thought to be of West African origin, possibly from the Wolof word 'banaana'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (plural: bananas) Often follows the verb 'peel' or 'slice'
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western comedy, slipping on a discarded banana peel is a classic symbol of slapstick humor.

Quick Quiz

You should _____ the banana before you eat the soft fruit inside.

Correct!

The correct answer is: peel

More Food words

cookie

A1

A cookie is a small, flat, sweet baked food. It is usually made from flour, sugar, and oil or butter, and often includes ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins.

menu

A1

A menu is a list of food and drink options that you can choose from at a restaurant or café. It can also refer to a list of functions or commands displayed on a computer screen.

recipe

A1

A set of written instructions that tell you how to cook or prepare a specific type of food. It usually includes a list of ingredients and step-by-step directions to follow.

cook

A1

To prepare food by heating it so that it is ready to eat. It describes the general process of making a meal using heat sources like a stove or oven.

bake

A1

To cook food by dry heat without direct exposure to a flame, typically in an oven. This method is most commonly used for preparing bread, cakes, and cookies.

fry

A1

A thin strip of potato that has been deep-fried until crispy. It is commonly served as a side dish or snack and is often seasoned with salt.

drink

A1

To take liquid into your mouth and swallow it. It is a basic human action used for hydration, nutrition, or social enjoyment.

milk

A1

Milk is a white liquid produced by female mammals, such as cows and goats, used as food by humans. It is commonly consumed as a drink or used as an ingredient in various recipes like cereal, coffee, and cakes.

tea

A1

A popular drink made by soaking dried leaves in hot water. It can be served hot or cold and is often enjoyed with milk, sugar, or lemon.

egg

A1

An oval object laid by a female bird, especially a chicken, used as food. It consists of a hard outer shell, a clear white, and a yellow center called the yolk.

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