Dictionary
white elephant
noun
: something that requires a lot of care and money and that gives little profit or enjoyment
Full Definition of WHITE ELEPHANT
1
: an Indian elephant of a pale color that is sometimes venerated in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar
2
a : a property requiring much care and expense and yielding little profit b : an object no longer of value to its owner but of value to others c : something of little or no value
See white elephant defined for English-language learners
See white elephant defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of WHITE ELEPHANT
15th century
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: white elmPrevious Word in the Dictionary: white earthAll Words Near: white elephant
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up white elephant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).