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

The murderer, on a road trip from Iowa, had been stranded in Wayne County after hitting an elk and totaling his truck. —Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026

An adult nonresident combination hunting and fishing license alone is $264, according to Fish and Game’s website, and an elk tag will run an out-of-state hunter an additional $650. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 4 Apr. 2026

Their diet typically consists of squirrels, beavers, raccoons, coyotes, rabbits, birds, opossums, cattle, deer, pigs, porcupines, elk, or moose. —Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 20 Mar. 2026

In Idaho, 98 percent of roadless areas provide elk habitat at some point during the year. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 2026

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 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