elk

elk

noun \ˈelk\

plural elks

Definition of ELK

1

plural usually elk

a : moose 1 —used for one of the Old World

b : a large gregarious deer (Cervus elaphus) of North America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa —called also red deer, wapiti

c : any of various large Asian deer

2

: soft tanned rugged leather

3

capitalized [Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

Origin of ELK

Middle English, probably from Old English eolh; akin to Old High German elaho elk, Greek elaphos deer

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with ELK

whelk

elk

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of several species of large deer in the genus Cervus, notably the red deer of Europe, the Kashmir stag, and the Himalayan shou, as well as the North American deer more correctly called wapiti. The creature called elk in Europe is a member of the species (Alces alces) known in North America as moose. The name is also applied to the extinct Irish elk.