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
Christa Sgobba, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025
The outlook for right-hander Edward Cabrera, on the 15-day IL with a right elbow sprain, remains uncertain.
—Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Stewart has had a history of shoulder and elbow injuries throughout his career and was cautious in making any predictions about returning from this one.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Make sure your shoulders, elbows, and wrists are stacked in a straight line and that your knees are in line with your hips.
—Christa Sgobba, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025
The outlook for right-hander Edward Cabrera, on the 15-day IL with a right elbow sprain, remains uncertain.
—Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Quarterback Carson Beck, who was stellar in the first half of his UM debut and his first game back since offseason elbow surgery to repair the UCL in his right elbow during the SEC Championship Game in December while with Georgia, huddled his teammates together and gave them a simple message.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Stewart has had a history of shoulder and elbow injuries throughout his career and was cautious in making any predictions about returning from this one.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share