: any of a genus (Ulmus of the family Ulmaceae, the elm family) of usually large deciduous north temperate-zone trees with alternate stipulate leaves and fruit that is a samara
2
: the wood of an elm
Illustration of elm
elm 1
Examples of elm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebThe boats are constructed from different kinds of trees—elm, ash, white oak, cottonwood and red oak—reflecting changing environmental conditions.—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2024 The oldest canoe being made of elm aligns with the prairie ecosystem of the time, Rosebrough said.—Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 23 May 2024 The top allergens in the regions are elm, juniper and poplar pollen, according to Pollen.—The Enquirer and Usa Today, The Enquirer, 25 Mar. 2024 The Indiana Department of Natural Resources suggests looking for morels near dead elms, tulip trees and in beech-maple forests.—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elm
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German elme elm, Latin ulmus
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of elm was
before the 12th century
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