How Do You Spell BANANA?

Pronunciation: [bɐnˈɑːnə] (IPA)

The word "banana" is spelled with three syllables: /bəˈnɑːnə/. The first syllable, "ba," is pronounced with a short "u" sound, similar to the word "but." The second syllable, "na," is pronounced with a long "a" sound, like the word "day." The final syllable, "na," is pronounced the same way as the second syllable. Overall, the word "banana" is relatively easy to spell compared to many other English words, thanks to its straightforward pronunciation.

BANANA Meaning and Definition

  1. A banana is a tropical fruit that belongs to the genus Musa, part of the family Musaceae. It is characterized by its elongated shape, curved appearance, and vibrant yellow color when ripe. The fruit grows in clusters on large plants with tall stems known as banana plants.

    The outer skin of a banana is smooth and thin, protecting its soft, creamy flesh inside. When fully matured, the flesh transforms from a firm texture to a creamy and sweet consistency. Bananas are commonly consumed fresh, either by peeling back the skin or slicing it. They are highly regarded for their delicious taste, which combines a hint of tartness with a prominent natural sweetness.

    Bananas are known for their nutritional value and are considered a good source of energy. They contain various essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. Due to their high potassium content, bananas are often recommended to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and promote heart health.

    In addition to being consumed as a snack, bananas are utilized in a variety of culinary preparations worldwide. They can be baked into bread, used as a topping for desserts, blended into smoothies, or incorporated into savory dishes. Moreover, due to their versatility and portability, bananas have become a popular ingredient for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quick and easily digestible source of energy.

  2. The edible fruit of Musa sapientum, a tropical plant; it contains a large quantity of starch and about 3 per cent of albuminoids.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. An herbaceous plant and its fruit, differing from the plantain in having its stalks marked with dark purple stripes and spots, and the fruit shorter and rounder.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BANANA *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BANANA

Etymology of BANANA

The word "banana" is believed to have originated from the Wolof language, spoken in West Africa. The Wolof word "banema" or "banaana" is the root of this term, related to the Arabic word "banan". From there, the word passed through various languages including Portuguese, Spanish, and English, with minor modifications in pronunciation and spelling along the way. Overall, the etymology of the word "banana" reflects its origins in West Africa and its subsequent spread around the world.

Idioms with the word BANANA

  • banana oil The idiom "banana oil" refers to nonsense, exaggerated or insincere talk, or untrue statements. It implies that someone is speaking in a way that is meant to deceive, confuse, or mislead others.
  • top banana The idiom "top banana" refers to the person who holds the highest position or has the most authority in a group or organization. It originated from the practice of hanging bananas on a hook, with the top banana being the one on the top.
  • make like a banana and split The idiom "make like a banana and split" means to leave or go away quickly and abruptly, similar to how a banana can be easily split into two parts. It is often used to express the act of departing or escaping from a situation swiftly.
  • banana republic The idiom "banana republic" refers to a small, politically unstable country, typically in Latin America, characterized by an economy heavily dependent on a single export commodity (usually bananas) and usually controlled by a corrupt elite or foreign interests. This term implies weak institutions, widespread poverty, and a lack of political and economic independence.
  • a banana skin The idiom "a banana skin" refers to an unexpected or unintentional event or situation that can cause embarrassment, difficulty, or failure. It is often used to describe a potential pitfall or risk that one may encounter in their personal or professional life.
  • a banana republic The idiom "a banana republic" refers to a politically unstable or economically dependent country, typically in Latin America, characterized by corruption, social inequality, and a lack of democratic institutions or economic independence. It suggests a nation that relies heavily on the export of a few agricultural products, usually bananas, and is often controlled by foreign companies or governments.
  • slip on a banana skin The idiom "slip on a banana skin" refers to a humorous or embarrassing situation where someone unexpectedly falls or makes a mistake, often resulting in humiliation or inconvenience. It alludes to the physical act of slipping on a banana peel, which is known to cause a sudden loss of balance and sometimes comical falls.
  • slip on a banana peel The idiom "slip on a banana peel" refers to an unexpected and often embarrassing or comical mishap or accident. It is often used figuratively to describe a situation where someone encounters a sudden obstacle or makes a mistake that leads to a humorous outcome, similar to slipping on a banana peel and falling.
  • one-banana problem The idiom "one-banana problem" refers to a situation or issue that is relatively trivial or insignificant. It implies that the problem at hand is so minor that it can be resolved or dealt with easily and quickly, just like consuming a single banana. This idiom is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner to downplay the seriousness or complexity of a particular matter.
  • banana hammock The idiom "banana hammock" does not have a specific or commonly recognized definition. However, in slang terms, it is often used to describe a type of men's swimwear or underwear that is extremely tight and revealing, resembling a hammock in shape and emphasizing the shape of male genitalia. It is usually used humorously or derogatorily to describe such attire.
  • second banana The idiom "second banana" refers to a person who serves in a supporting or subordinate role to someone else, typically in a comedic or less important context. It originated in vaudeville comedy acts, where the lead performer was often referred to as the "top banana" and the one playing the secondary role was the "second banana." The term has since been expanded to describe anyone who plays a secondary or less prominent role, often providing comic relief or support to the main person or group.
  • banana-head

Similar spelling words for BANANA

Plural form of BANANA is BANANAS

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