elephant ear

noun

1

also elephant's ear : any of several plants of the arum family with large heart- or arrow-shaped leaves: as

a

: taro

b

: any of a genus (Alocasia) of tropical Asian perennial herbs cultivated especially for their heavily veined ornamental leaves

2

US : a thick, irregular disk of fried dough usually served with a topping (as powdered sugar)

Examples of elephant ear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the most common toxic plants for dogs and cats in this category include pothos, peace lilies, philodendrons, ZZ plants, dumb cane, calla lilies, Chinese evergreen, elephant ear, Swiss cheese plant and flamingo plant. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Common examples include dumb cane, calla lily, pothos or devil’s ivy, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, elephant ear, ZZ plant, philodendron, Swiss cheese plant and flamingo plant. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Here a 'Vogue Audrey' mandevilla takes center stage among 'Baby Tut' dwarf papyrus, a South Asian elephant ear plant, and a South American 'Blackie' sweet potato vine. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

In one grouping, big-leaf elephant ears, specimen begonias, and amaryllises (whose deep green foliage looks great even without flowers) mingle with outdoor plants like Hakone grass, coral bells, and ferns. — Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elephant ear

• charioteer
• ritonavir
• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere