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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

elephant

/ˈɛləfənt/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:05
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What does elephant mean?

noun

  1. A large mammal of the family Elephantidae in the order Proboscidea, having a trunk, and native to Africa and Asia.
  2. (figuratively) Anything huge and ponderous.
  3. Synonym of elephant paper.
More meanings (4)

noun

  1. used when counting to add length, so that each count takes about one second
  2. A xiangqi piece that is moved two points diagonally, may not jump over intervening pieces and may not cross the river.
  3. (obsolete) Ivory.

proper noun

  1. The 105th sura (chapter) of the Quran.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈɛləfənt/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

The travellers several times saw bands of ferocious Indians, who, when they perceived the elephant striding across-country, made angry and threatening motions.
Jules VerneAround the World in Eighty DaysTranslated by George M. (George Makepeace) TowleProject Gutenberg ebook #103
At the end of this tour Barnum sold out the entire establishment, including animals, cages, chariots and everything else, excepting one elephant.
Joel BentonA Unique Story of a Marvellous Career: Life of Hon. Phineas T. BarnumProject Gutenberg ebook #1576
More book examples (3)
But the elephant is likewise very faithful to his driver or keeper, and probably considers him as the leader of the herd.
Charles DarwinThe Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to SexProject Gutenberg ebook #2300
It would at first sight appear that for shooting purposes the bull elephant would be preferred for its greater strength and courage.
Samuel White, Sir BakerWild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1Project Gutenberg ebook #3657
The white elephant is celebrated in the religious history of Oriental nations, and is an object of veneration and worship in Siam.
George M. (George Milbrey) Gould; Walter L. (Walter Lytle) PyleAnomalies and Curiosities of MedicineProject Gutenberg ebook #747