jumbo

This page is about the eponym jumbo

Meaning

something that is very large; also used as an adjective

For example

  • We are flying on the jumbo today. This jet holds about 500 passengers.

  • I'm serving jumbo prawns for dinner.

Origin: A giant African elephant named Jumbo (1860-1885) was the first of its species to arrive in Europe alive. It lived in the London Zoo for many years and was the largest elephant in captivity. Jumbo was sold to a circus, which caused public outrage. The popularity of the large elephant resulted in the new English word meaning "very large".

Quick Quiz

Which word is synonymous with jumbo?

a. huge

b. bear

c. zoo
a) huge b) bear c) zoo

Contributor: Tara Benwell