elephant

word

/ˈɛɫəfənt/
EL-uh-fuhnt
/ˈɛlɪfənt/
EL-uh-fuhnt

Definition

A very large animal with a long trunk, big ears, and thick legs. Elephants are mammals and are known for their size, intelligence, and strong social bonds.

Usage & Nuances

Usually refers to the animal. Common combinations include 'African elephant', 'Asian elephant', and 'baby elephant'. It can also appear in the idiom 'the elephant in the room', meaning an obvious problem people avoid discussing.

Example Sentences

A baby elephant stayed close to its mother.

basic

The elephant is drinking water.

basic

We saw a big elephant at the zoo.

basic

That backpack is huge—you packed like you're going on safari to photograph elephants.

natural

The documentary showed how elephants communicate with each other over long distances.

natural

Nobody wanted to mention the budget cuts, but they were the elephant in the room.

natural