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

Meet the 7-ingredient, no-bake chocolate eclair cake recipe of your dreams Questions or comments? —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025

While its famous for salted caramel brownies, macarons and eclairs, the cinnamon roll and pecan pull apart are deserving of attention. —Jenny Matz, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2025

Located just steps from Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine, Tablespoon Cooking Co. has classes available to sign up for online that cater to a variety of dishes, from tacos and margaritas to eclairs and cream puffs. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Get The Recipe 07 of 10 Eclair Cake Who can resist the bittersweet ganache and milky cream in a chocolate eclair? —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025

Le Clare’s This French-style patisserie specializes in eclairs, which makes sense since the owners are named Maggie and Tyler Clare. —Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 1 Nov. 2024

They’re made from a French pâte à choux—the same batter used to make eclairs and cream puffs—which was likely introduced to Italy by French chefs who worked in the Italian royal kitchens. —Cindy Salvato, Saveur, 19 Mar. 2025

The total recall amounts to more than 2 million cases of doughnuts, fritters, paczki, eclairs and munchkins. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025

The shop, which sells not only a wide selection of macarons but also cakes, eclairs, madeline cookies, gelato, coffee and candy, will be taking over space that used to house a Coldstone Creamery. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025

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.