elephant ear

noun

plural elephant ears

1

also elephant's ear plural elephant's ears : 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 (such as powdered sugar)

3

: a thin, crisp, heart-shaped puff pastry that is usually sprinkled with sugar before baking : palmier

Puff pastry is the main ingredient for the Danish, bear claws, elephant ears, and turnovers.

—Kerri Conan

Examples of elephant ear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The method uses taller plants, like ornamental grasses and elephant ears, to add vertical interest and filler plants to add lush foliage and body. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for elephant ear

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