plural white elephants
: something that requires a lot of care and money and that gives little profit or enjoyment
—usually singular
The run-down historic building has been the city's white elephant.
Cite this Entry
“White elephant.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/white%20elephant. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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