A1noun2K

Elephant

UK /["/ˈelɪfənt/"]/US /["/ˈelɪfənt/"]/

Definition

a very large animal with thick grey skin, large ears, two curved outer teeth called tusks and a long nose called a trunk. There are two types of elephant, the African and the Asian.

In simple words: A large, gray animal with a long trunk that lives in big groups.

Examples

  • herds of elephants
  • a bull elephant
  • a baby elephant
  • a conservationist who cares for orphaned elephants
  • The elephant in the room was the money that had to be paid in bribes.
  • There’s a big elephant in the room and it’s gun control.

Usage notes

Often used in educational contexts or when discussing wildlife. Not suitable for informal or casual conversation unless referring to zoos or safaris.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a huge 'elephant' in the room that everyone notices.

Collocations

  • African
  • Asian
  • Indian
  • herd
  • hunt
  • poach
  • shoot
  • trumpet
  • charge
  • stampede
  • herd
  • population
  • tusk

Synonyms

  • pachyderm
  • African elephant
  • Asian elephant

Antonyms

  • mouse
  • insect
  • ant

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'elephants', which is simply the plural form.
  • Mispronounced as 'elefant' instead of 'ele-phant'.