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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In addition to doughnuts, cronuts and eclairs, the shop serves muffins, lunch sandwiches and smoothies. —

Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 2 June 2026 Dishes wow with technical precision and unlikely flavor combos, like the cheddar eclair. —

Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 8 May 2026 The dessert station includes s’mores, cupcakes, cookies, bars, tarts, eclairs and cheesecake. —

Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Scallop ceviche, rack of lamb and pistachio eclair are served as the border of Italy and France is crossed. —

Grace Banks, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for éclair

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, lightning

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of éclair was in 1861

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

ecl

éclair

éclaircissement

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“éclair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%C3%A9clair. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

éclair

noun

ā-ˈkla(ə)r

-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.