elm

noun

ˈelm 

1

: 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 Web

The cemetery was divided in two by a windbreak of giant elms. —Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

There are rolling hills, sandstone outcroppings and dense forests of oak, mesquite and elm trees. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025

The interiors include elm wood — traditionally used in British furniture-making during the late 18th century — as well as the signature Burberry check on sofas and rugs. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025

According to her, the zoo takes the palatable trees removed from the preserve — dogwood, sumac, elm, mulberry, and boxelder — and feeds them to a variety of zoo animals, including gorillas, elephants, and giraffes. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

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

Phrases Containing elm

• American elm
• Dutch elm disease
• elm bark beetle
• elm leaf beetle
• elm yellows
• slippery elm
• smaller European elm bark beetle
• winged elm

Rhymes for elm

• helm
• realm
• overwhelm

Kids Definition

elm

noun

ˈelm 

1

: any of a genus of large deciduous trees that have toothed leaves and nearly circular one-seeded winged fruits and are often grown as shade trees

especially : american elm

2

: the wood of an elm