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

At the end of the 2200 block, a massive elm tree laid across the street and six volunteers worked to chop it into smaller pieces with chain saws. —Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 19 May 2025

The organization expects that in the future, species that require at least 20 inches of annual rainfall could perish (some, like the Montezuma cypress and cedar elm, are already dying). —Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025

Flower and vegetable gardens, oaks, redwoods and elms. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025

Meanwhile, experts say some native trees—including hemlock, elm and beech—are struggling in the city. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 May 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