éclair

[ ey-klair, ih-klair, ey-klair ]

noun

1. a finger-shaped cream puff, filled with whipped cream, custard, or pastry cream, often coated with icing.

éclair

/ ɪˈklɛə; eɪˈklɛə /

noun

1. a finger-shaped cake of choux pastry, usually filled with cream and covered with chocolate

Word History and Origins

Origin of éclair¹

1860–65; < French: literally, lightning (flash), Old French esclair, noun derivative of esclairier to light, flash < Vulgar Latin *exclariāre, for Latin exclārāre, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + clārāre to make bright, derivative of clārus clear

Word History and Origins

Origin of éclair¹

C19: from French, literally: lightning (probably so called because it does not last long), from éclairer, from Latin clārāre to make bright, from clārus bright

Example Sentences

Fill each éclair with several spoonfuls of this mixture and, if desired, serve with whipped cream over the top.

From Project Gutenberg

"The doctor was romantic at heart," explained Mrs. James, sighing, and pausing with an ice-cold chocolate éclair in her hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Selingman demolished a chocolate éclair and shook his head vigorously.

From Project Gutenberg

For he must not, he could not, no matter what the pain he must endure, admit defeat by falling on that éclair.

From Project Gutenberg

When Snorky returned, he glanced in some surprise at the untouched éclair.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bread
• cake
• croissant
• doughnut
• phyllo
• pie