elk

noun

ˈelk 

plural elk also elks

1

plural usually elk

a

: a large gregarious deer (Cervus elaphus) of North America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa with the male having large antlers and many tines and that often form large herds

Note: The North American elk is usually considered to constitute a separate species (C. canadensis).

called also red deer, wapiti

b

: moose sense 1

—used for one of the Old World

c

: any of various large Asian deer

2

: soft tanned rugged leather

3

usually Elk plural Elks [Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

Examples of elk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Don't miss these 2025-26 marked another successful elk hunting season in Wisconsin. —Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 5 Jan. 2026

Mahoney has owned her cabin in Glen Haven for ten years and enjoys seeing wildlife like elk, deer and even the occasional bear pass by her property. —Alan Gionet, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026

Living mostly in brushy areas and woodlands in low elevation, the animals largely prey on deer and elk. —Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026

Arguably the hotel's biggest perk is the herd of elk that's known to come and graze on the grounds. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from Old English eolh; akin to Old High German elaho elk, Greek elaphos deer

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing elk

• tule elk

Kids Definition

elk

noun

ˈelk 

plural elk or elks

1

: moose

—used for one of Europe or Asia

2

: a large deer of North America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa that has large curved antlers with many branches and that lives in herds

called also red deer, wapiti