elephant

[el-uh-fuhnt]

noun

plural

elephants ,

plural

elephant .

1. a very large herbivorous mammal of the family Elephantidae, the only extant family of proboscideans and comprising the genera Loxodonta (African elephants ) and Elephas (Asian elephants ): Elephants of all species are characterized by a long, prehensile trunk formed of the nose and upper lip, pillarlike legs, and prominent tusks, which are possessed by both sexes of Loxodonta and just the males of Elephas.

2. a representation of this animal, used in the United States since 1874 as the emblem of the Republican Party.

3. Chiefly British.,  a size of drawing or writing paper, 23 × 28 inches (58 × 71 centimeters).

elephant

/ ˈɛlɪfənt /

noun

1. either of the two proboscidean mammals of the family Elephantidae . The African elephant ( Loxodonta africana ) is the larger species, with large flapping ears and a less humped back than the Indian elephant ( Elephas maximus ), of S and SE Asia

2. a size of writing paper, 23 by 28 inches

3. an obvious truth deliberately ignored by all parties in a situation

elephant

1. A symbol (see also symbol) of the Republican party, introduced in a series of political cartoons by Thomas Nast during the congressional elections of 1874. (Compare donkey.)

Other Word Forms

• elephantoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elephant¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (from Anglo-French ), from Latin elephantus, from Greek elephant- (stem of eléphās ) “elephant”; replacing Middle English olifaunt, from Anglo-French, from unattested Vulgar Latin olifantus, for Latin elephantus

Word History and Origins

Origin of elephant¹

C13: from Latin elephantus, from Greek elephas elephant, ivory, of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. elephant in the room. elephant in the room.

see see the elephant; white elephant.

Example Sentences

But beyond the promise of "the elephant and the dragon" coming together, the two countries still have major roadblocks to clear before they are able to engage meaningfully.

From BBC

Thousands of people flock to the city to participate in the grand festivities, which include cultural performances, elephant parades, exhibitions and fireworks.

From BBC

Several investigations have been launched after a Spanish man in Kenya posted videos of himself pouring beer down an elephant's trunk - sparking anger on social media.

From BBC

Nine works, including a rhino mounting a car, two elephants with their trunks stretched towards each other, and three monkeys swinging on a bridge, appeared over nine days in August 2024.

From BBC

The investigation, it said, would focus on claims of illegal animal acquisition - especially of elephants - as well as violations of wildlife laws, and allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering.

From BBC

Related Words

• boar