elephant ear

[ el-uh-fuhnt eer ]

noun

1. Also elephant's-ear. any of various plants with very large, sturdy leaves shaped somewhat like an elephant’s ear in shape, especially a plant of the arum family (Aracea), including caladium, malanga, and taro.
2. Cooking.
   1. a large, flat, sugared pastry made from fried dough, somewhat resembling an elephant's ear.
   2. palmier.

Word History and Origins

Origin of elephant ear¹

First recorded in 1865–70 elephant ear fordef 1

Example Sentences

This beautiful elephant ear wowed the judges with its sturdy burgundy stems and large glossy leaves featuring pink veins and creamy white centers.

From Seattle Times

One more thing that makes it great to be here: eating an elephant ear.

From Seattle Times

This not only dwarfs the amount of neurons controlling Asian elephant ears, it is nearly 3,000 more neurons than are needed to operate the entire human face.

From New York Times

The company offers a variety of plants, including palms, cordyline and elephant ears, that were grown in full sun and are ready to live outside during warm-weather months.

From Washington Post

He crept a little closer, hiding behind a plant with leaves shaped like elephant ears.

From Literature