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 slender American sweet gum looked unassuming, especially compared to the enormous English elm neighboring it. — Joanna Thompson, Space.com, 27 July 2026

In our area oaks, maples, willows, cherry and elms have more of a tendency to form burls than other tree species. — Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026

As American colonists gathered around the elm tree, the nation’s idea of freedom and liberty grew like a tree. — Krista Johnson, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Clients also tend to want giant river birches, red maples, elms, and Japanese zelkovas. — Ben Kesslen, Curbed, 29 June 2026

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