elbow

1 of 2

noun

el·​bow ˈel-ˌbō 

1

a

: the joint of the human arm

b

: a corresponding joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate

2

: something (such as macaroni or an angular pipe fitting) resembling an elbow

see also:

at one's elbow out at elbows

elbow

2 of 2

verb

elbowed; elbowing; elbows

transitive verb

1

a

: to push with the elbow : jostle

b

: to shove aside by pushing with or as if with the elbow

people elbowed each other to get a better view

2

: to force (one's way) by pushing with or as if with the elbow

elbowing our way through the crowd

intransitive verb

1

: to advance by pushing with the elbow

2

: to make an angle : turn

Synonyms of elbow

Verb

• push
• squeeze
• shoulder

Examples of elbow in a Sentence

Noun

He wore a tattered coat with holes in the elbows.

Verb

The actor's bodyguards rudely elbowed everyone out of the way.

Everyone was shoving and elbowing to get a good position.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Beck’s career at Georgia ended with a significant right elbow injury, which required surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament. —Manny Navarro, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Beck suffered an elbow injury that required surgery during the SEC title game against Texas, and his Georgia tenure came to an end. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

Verb

Boone also said that Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) and Carlos Rodón (elbow cleanup procedure) are expected to make their next rehab starts at Double-A Somerset. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026

Zuccarello finished Game 1 with three assists but was elbowed in the face by Myers, who received a minor penalty. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English elbowe, from Old English elboga, from el- (akin to eln ell) + Old English boga bow — more at ell, bow

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing elbow

• at one's elbow
• at someone's elbow
• elbow bump
• elbow grease
• elbow room
• give (someone) the elbow
• more power to someone's elbow
• tennis elbow

Rhymes for elbow

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

elbow

1 of 2 noun

el·​bow ˈel-ˌbō 

1

a

: the joint of the arm

also : the outer curve of a bent arm

b

: a corresponding joint in the front limb of an animal

2

: a part (as of a pipe) bent like an elbow

elbow

2 of 2 verb

1

: to push or shove with the elbow : jostle

2

: to advance by or as if by pushing with the elbow

elbowed his way to the front

Medical Definition

elbow

noun

el·​bow ˈel-ˌbō 

1

: the joint between the human forearm and the upper arm that supports the outer curve of the arm when bent

called also elbow joint

2

: a joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate corresponding to the elbow