ELI5

/ˌiː.ɛl.aɪ̯ˈfaɪ̯v//ˌɛl.iˈfaɪ̯v/

phrase

Provide an explanation that is very easy to understand.

“Please ELI5 the whole thing.”

Meanings

phrase
  1. InternetProvide an explanation that is very easy to understand.

    Please ELI5 the whole thing.

    3 more examples

    Develop techniques to share complex ideas in a scalable way (going from ELI5 to rocket science).

    2016, “SASE National Conference & STEM Career Fair 2016: Schedule”, in SASE Magazine, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, section “10:45 am - 12:00 pm: Engineering The Art of Storytelling”, page 82

    Periscope: ELI5 Family History / Wednesday, May 31, 3:30-4:30 pm / Why can’t I find my great-great grandmother’s death record in 1880?

    2017 May, “Online Classes”, in Kenton County Public Library Calendar, page 12

    To see how potential partners might interpret and/or communicate key verification challenges, we created Can You Verify?, a website and poster competition. We posted thirteen of the clearest responses from the ELI5 challenge, in which experts explain what they do and where they need help, asking information designers to depict the challenges visually.

    2019, “Verification”, in Erika Gregory, Tim Maly, editors, Signals for the Future: New Ways to Tackle Nuclear Risk, N Square, page 68

Origin

Rhymes & wordplay

Rhymes with ELI5

All rhymes →
Cite this entry
APA

ELI5. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ELI5

MLA

“ELI5.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ELI5. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “ELI5,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ELI5.

Source: ELI5 on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.