Definition of elk
elks
1 plural usually elk a : moose 1 —used for one of the Old Worldb : 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 ◆The North American elk is sometimes considered to constitute a separate species (C. canadensis). —called also red deer, wapitic : any of various large Asian deer
2 : soft tanned rugged leather
3 capitalized [Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order
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Origin and Etymology of elk
Middle English, probably from Old English eolh; akin to Old High German elaho elk, Greek elaphos deer
ELK Defined for English Language Learners
elk
playDefinition of elk for English Language Learners
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: a large kind of North American deer with big antlers
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: a European or Asian moose
ELK Defined for Kids
elk
playDefinition of elk for Students
1 : a large deer of North America, Europe, and Asia with curved antlers having many branches
2 : the moose of Europe and Asia
Learn More about elk
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See words that rhyme with elk Spanish Central: Translation of elk Nglish: Translation of elk for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of elk for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elk
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