1
a
: the joint of the human arm
b
: a corresponding joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate
2
: something (such as macaroni or an angular pipe fitting) resembling an elbow
elbowed; elbowing; elbows
1
a
: to push with the elbow : jostle
b
: to shove aside by pushing with or as if with the elbow
people elbowed each other to get a better view
2
: to force (one's way) by pushing with or as if with the elbow
elbowing our way through the crowd
Examples of elbow in a Sentence
Noun
He wore a tattered coat with holes in the elbows.
Verb
The actor's bodyguards rudely elbowed everyone out of the way.
Everyone was shoving and elbowing to get a good position.
Recent Examples on the Web
John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
The elbow-length sleeves give it a modern, transitional appeal—perfect for in-between weather or chilly airports.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
Mallory Creveling, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Termites have a thicker body and antennae that are not elbowed.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow
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Noun
Mamukelashvili is a good passer from the elbows who can handle the ball and distribute.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
The elbow-length sleeves give it a modern, transitional appeal—perfect for in-between weather or chilly airports.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Place your feet hip-width apart and elbows shoulder-width apart.
—Mallory Creveling, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Termites have a thicker body and antennae that are not elbowed.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow
Cite this Entry
“Elbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elbow. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elbow
1 of 2 noun
el·bow
ˈel-ˌbō 
1
a
: the joint of the arm
also
: the outer curve of a bent arm
b
: a corresponding joint in the front limb of an animal
2
: a part (as of a pipe) bent like an elbow
elbow
2 of 2 verb1
: to push or shove with the elbow : jostle
2
: to advance by or as if by pushing with the elbow
elbowed his way to the front
Medical Definition
elbow
noun
el·bow
ˈel-ˌbō
1
: the joint between the human forearm and the upper arm that supports the outer curve of the arm when bent
called also elbow joint
2
: a joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate corresponding to the elbow
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