éclair (Spanish)

Where does "éclair" come from?

The word 'éclair' is an unadapted borrowing from French, where it literally translates to 'lightning bolt.' French speakers originally derived the term from the verb 'éclairer,' meaning to light up, likely because the pastry’s glistening glaze makes it shine or because it is enjoyed in a flash.

Full etymology tree

• éclair (Spanish), 'éclair'
  • borrowed éclair (French), 'lightning bolt'
    • deverbal éclairer (French), 'to light up; to brighten'

Ancestors

• éclair (French)

Updated July 2026

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Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris