elk

noun

ˈelk 

plural elk also elks

1

plural usually elk

a

: moose sense 1

—used for one of the Old World

b

: 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 sometimes considered to constitute a separate species (C. canadensis).

called also red deer, wapiti

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

With a guide’s expert knowledge and network of other guides in the area, your chances to spot a grizzly, an elk, or a great gray owl go up exponentially. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2024

The program can detect moose, elk, horses, and deer. —Sophie Hartley, Ars Technica, 2 Apr. 2024

In the next gallery are the familiar mastodon and Irish elk, as well as a display of human evolution. —Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2024

The property listing boasted of trophy-size elk, a resident herd of bighorn sheep and ownership of 19 mountain peaks — including 14,053-foot Culebra Peak. Harrison, like his predecessor, continued pressing the case over land grant access. —Elise Schmelzer, Hartford Courant, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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