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

Inside the routing of the course — land lined by Oakmont’s perimeter of trees, and decorated by a few sycamores and oaks in front of the clubhouse — a couple of elms were left dotting the property. —Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 14 June 2025

Tent caterpillars on pecans, persimmons, walnuts and a few other trees will come next, and then lace bugs on elms and oaks. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025

Instead of being buried in three coffins − each made of cypress, lead and elm and placed inside the other − his coffin will be wooden and lined with zinc. —Susan Miller, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

Other culprits include birch, ash, elm and juniper. —Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 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