elbow

noun

el·bow | \ ˈel-ˌbō

Definition of elbow

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

at one's elbow

: at one's side

out at elbows or out at the elbows

1 : shabbily dressed

2 : short of funds

elbow

verb

elbowed; elbowing; elbows

Definition of elbow (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : 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

intransitive verb

1 : to advance by pushing with the elbow

2 : to make an angle : turn

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about elbow

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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: Noun

Do a curl by bending both elbows and bringing the weights toward your biceps. — SELF, "Final Strength Push, Plus 4-Minute Finisher," 28 Apr. 2019 Keep a bottle in your gym bag to sooth sore muscles and leave one on your desk to satiate parched elbows. — Taylore Glynn, Marie Claire, "How CBD Can Save Your Skin," 15 Apr. 2019 This is such a different time for the Clippers and Warriors from their days as fierce rivals who swung elbows, tussled and trash-talked at every chance. — Janie Mccauley, The Seattle Times, "Fresh off loss at Golden State, Clippers return for playoffs," 13 Apr. 2019 Other basic hygiene practices like washing your hands and covering sneezes with a tissue or elbow will also help limit the spread of the virus, but vaccination is the strongest and most effective form of protection. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "The Measles Signs in Kids Every Parent Needs to Know About," 3 Apr. 2019 This resulted in a a physical altercation and a resulting bump on Cardi’s head from an elbow thrown by a security guard after Cardi threw her shoe. — Bridget Read, Vogue, "This Was the Year of Celebrity Feuds," 26 Dec. 2018 The spare approach is deliberate, designed to give both visitors and artworks plenty of elbow room. — Susan Delson, WSJ, "Intimate Encounters with Modern Art," 21 Sep. 2018 This time, there was a lot more elbow room for Imagine Dragons. — Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Imagine Dragons an explosive start to Summerfest at American Family Insurance Amphitheater," 27 June 2018 But the plastics have appealing textures and the driver area is accommodating with supportive sport seats and good elbow room. — Mark Maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Forever young," 22 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Helicopters, amateur sleuths, a woman dressed as a snake and a celebrity private detective soon elbowed into the quest. — Drew Hinshaw, WSJ, "Nothing Unites a Divided Country Like an Escaped 18-Foot Snake in the Suburbs," 28 Aug. 2018 The charges allege that Altheimer repeatedly elbowed another 11-year-old girl who tried to rescue her teammate. — Sara Jean Green, The Seattle Times, "Kent woman charged with assaulting girl, 11, at basketball game," 24 July 2018 Place your hands behind your head, elbows bent and pointing out to the sides. — SELF, "A 15-Minute No-Equipment Core Workout You Can Do at Home," 18 Jan. 2019 England had a penalty shout go against them within the first minute as Gabriel Gomez elbowed Jesse Lingard in the face. — SI.com, "England 6-1 Panama: Three Lions Roar With Biggest Ever World Cup Win to Book Last 16 Spot," 24 June 2018 Some suggest Lesnar went off script by elbowing Reigns and turning his head into a bloody mess. — Troy L. Smith, cleveland.com, "WrestleMania 34's biggest fight apparently happened after the show," 9 Apr. 2018 Infielder Allen Cordoba, outfielder Alex Dickerson (elbow) and pitcher Colin Rea (lat) will all be placed on the 60-day disabled list. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres appear ready to go with three catchers," 25 Mar. 2018 People elbow each other for views of the sunset at rooftop terraces in Oia, but the sunset view from our balcony was just as fabulous and much more comfortable—and private. — Kerry Pieri, Harper's BAZAAR, "Where to Go, Where to Eat, and What to See at Instagram's Favorite Destination," 21 Dec. 2018 Throngs of people elbow each other in the lines as toddlers and elderly people take up the seats. — Beatrice Christofaro, Fox News, "Despite strong laws, domestic violence in Brazil is rampant," 21 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elbow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.