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DictionaryhowdahElephant seat
noun

howdah

HOW-duh/ˈhaʊdə/

A seat or platform carried on an elephant's back.

The elephant carries an empty canopied howdah on its back.

An Asian elephant in three-quarter side view carries an empty, clearly visible canopied howdah: a raised passenger seat with a low railing, padded bench, and four posts supporting a fabric roof.
Etymology
howdahArabiclitter carried by a camel or elephant

Arabic haudaj named a litter carried by a camel or elephant. The English word preserves that central idea: a passenger compartment borne on an animal’s back.

More examples

  • The howdah has a canopy that shades the riders.
  • Workers secure the howdah before the passengers climb aboard.
  • The museum displays two ornate howdahs.

Forms

howdah · howdahs

Similar words

saddle
Usually supports one rider straddling an animal rather than seated passengers.
seat
A general sitting place, not specifically one carried by an elephant.