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
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Just as Justin Allgaier and Chase Elliott brought their elbows out, Zilisch was quick to take advantage of the situation.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Five months into his freshman year in Congress, Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) has learned how to elbow his way into key negotiations with decision-makers.
—Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow
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show current usage.
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Noun
Maybe Hagen Smith or Noah Schultz will someday get the Kopech treatment, but Smith was sent to Arizona due to elbow soreness and for some biomechanical tweaking, and Schultz was just promoted to Triple-A Charlotte.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Just as Justin Allgaier and Chase Elliott brought their elbows out, Zilisch was quick to take advantage of the situation.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Verb
The dining room is full at 5:45 p.m., with patrons elbow to elbow at the bar.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Five months into his freshman year in Congress, Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) has learned how to elbow his way into key negotiations with decision-makers.
—Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 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 Jul. 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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