elbow

noun

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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 Closing time: The Heat had a last-gasp chance when Brown was called for a flagrant foul for an elbow to Robinson’s face with 63 seconds left and the Celtics up 109-101. — Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "No comeback this time for Heat, lead in East finals down to 2-1 after 117-106 loss to Celtics," 19 Sep. 2020 Great Pause does offer the opportunity for a reset in the elbow-rubbing relationship between pols and press. — Washington Post, "Washington’s cozy media-political cocktail circuit needs a cooling-off. Now is the perfect time.," 15 Sep. 2020 The elbow to the ribs came before 3 a.m. on a Sunday in late August, an abrupt wake-up call that Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy wasn’t ready for. — Dan Wiederer, chicagotribune.com, "A pandemic? Stadiums without fans? Social justice tensions? Why 2020 could be the NFL’s craziest season yet.," 12 Sep. 2020 Both defensive end Marcus Davenport (elbow) and offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz (ankle) were officially declared out on Friday's practice participation report. — Luke Johnson, NOLA.com, "Saints rule Marcus Davenport, Cesar Ruiz out for the opener; Bucs' Mike Evans doubtful," 11 Sep. 2020 Reach the elbow back and turn the head to the right slightly to look up toward the ceiling. — Stephanie Mansour, CNN, "Got a stress headache? This 5-minute routine brings relief," 9 Sep. 2020 This year, elbow-bumps replaced hugs, and fewer staff were present as all the educators were teaching virtually, and only some from the school building. — James Whitlow, baltimoresun.com, "Aberdeen Middle Learning Support Center opens for first day of virtual learning, putting education in students' hands," 8 Sep. 2020 Slater also has been dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow that still prevents him from playing in the outfield. — Steve Kroner, SFChronicle.com, "Giants’ Austin Slater returns, hits leadoff against Diamondbacks’ Madison Bumgarner," 5 Sep. 2020 In other medical news, pitcher Tyler Chatwood (right elbow) started his throwing program Monday. — Mark Gonzales, chicagotribune.com, "Cubs claim speedster Billy Hamilton off waivers from the Mets, while Jason Heyward could return Tuesday," 7 Sep. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Most are wearing masks, even outside, elbow-bumping instead of high-fiving, and attempting to stay in small groups, said Adesanya, a 20-year-old senior from Brooklyn who is president of the student government. — Keshia Clukey, Bloomberg.com, "Colleges Become Reservoirs of Covid Threatening to Spill Over," 21 Sep. 2020 The Giants needed the right-hander to pitch deep into the game because their bullpen has been overworked and their starters this weekend, Kevin Gausman (elbow) and Johnny Cueto (hip), have had physical issues. — John Shea, SFChronicle.com, "Without Yastrzemski, punchless Giants fall to A’s in opener of key series," 18 Sep. 2020 Walker also said rookie RHP Nate Pearson (10-day IL, elbow tightness) threw a bullpen Saturday and is expected back soon. — Ken Powtak, Star Tribune, "Biggio's 2-run double caps big 5th; Jays beat Red Sox 10-8," 6 Sep. 2020 There should be no hand shaking and coughs and sneezes should be covered into the sleeve or elbow. — Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, "What you need to know about Ohio's performing arts and entertainment venue order," 25 Aug. 2020 For Paxton specifically, that meant that there was no time to build up each pitch, which all have different stresses on the arm and elbow. — Kristie Ackert, courant.com, "James Paxton blames short spring training on rash of injuries, including his own," 22 Aug. 2020 Then a second thought seemed to elbow its way in, and Trump interrupted himself. — Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, "The Axios Interview Showed Us an Important Threshold for the President," 19 Aug. 2020 But as two of the coaches bent their arms to do elbow bumps with players (a celebration that has been adopted to follow coronavirus protocols), Christenson was filmed raising his right arm into a Nazi salute. — Jason Duaine Hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Oakland Athletics Coach Ryan Christenson Apologizes for 'Unintentionally' Making Apparent Nazi Salute," 7 Aug. 2020 Clowney, however, comes with a scary injury history, including multiple knee surgeries, elbow sprains and core injuries. — John Owning, Dallas News, "Jadeveon Clowney isn’t the free agent DE who Cowboys fans should be clamoring for," 3 July 2020

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.