éclair

noun

ē-ˈkler  ā- 

e-, 

ə-;

ˈē-ˌkler 

ˈā-, 

ˈe-

: a usually chocolate-frosted oblong pastry filled with whipped cream or custard

Examples of éclair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to doughnuts, cronuts and eclairs, the shop serves muffins, lunch sandwiches and smoothies. — Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 2 June 2026

Dishes wow with technical precision and unlikely flavor combos, like the cheddar eclair. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 8 May 2026

Guests can enjoy signature menu favorites alongside brunch offerings perfect for the holiday weekend, such as brulée French toast, black truffle burger, Parisienne gnocchi, and assorted eclairs for dessert. — Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

San Francisco’s Le Fantastique (and its delicate caviar eclairs) shuttered back in 2023, and now chef Robbie Wilson is taking his culinary prowess to Music City. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, lightning

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

éclair

noun

ā-ˈkla(ə)r  i- 

-ˈkle(ə)r;

ˈā-ˌkla(ə)r, 

-ˌkle(ə)r, 

ˈē-

: an oblong pastry with whipped cream or custard filling

Etymology

French, literally, "lightning"

Word Origin

The English word éclair comes directly from a French word whose chief meaning is "lightning" or "flash of lightning." No one is sure why a pastry was named after lightning. Some say the lightness of the cream puff and its soft filling is the reason for the name. Perhaps more likely its richness and oblong shape, easily held in one hand, compel a person to eat it in a flash.