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

Carl has hunted elk in Colorado for four decades without harvesting a single animal. —Kevin Sintumuang, Outside, 25 Nov. 2025

As the boat drifts along the border, watch for eagles overhead and elk along the shoreline. —Shilo Urban, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2025

But the Lower Brule have buffalo, cattle and elk in abundance across more than 9 square miles (25 square kilometers). —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025

The lions liked to avoid tourists, so the elk cozied up to them. —Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 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