elephant in the room

noun phrase

: an obvious major problem or issue that people avoid discussing or acknowledging

Examples of elephant in the room 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.
As for the elephant in the room, Del Mar officials have drawn up plans in case U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stages an immigration raid during the summer season. Bill Center, Mercury News, 14 July 2025 This diverse management team of professionals at Prepared Food Photos has implemented rigorous copyright protection measures to address the elephant in the room, exclusivity. Jon Stojan, Freep.com, 10 July 2025 Following her onto the stage was American actor Peter Sarsgaard, who made a slightly more daring comment, directly addressing the zeitgeist back home while stopping short of naming the elephant in the room. Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 July 2025 Changing priorities The elephant in the room with PSG, of course, is its ownership. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for elephant in the room

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elephant in the room was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“Elephant in the room.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elephant%20in%20the%20room. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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