elk

noun \ ˈelk \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Definition of elk

plural elks

1 plural usually elk

a : moose 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 capitalized

[Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks]

: a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

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Recent Examples of elk from the Web

Clam Lake, east of Namakagon, is where the state first reintroduced 25 elk in 1995.

— chelsey lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Cable is one of Wisconsin's best trail towns," 7 June 2018
Removing the juniper not only benefits sage grouse, but also mule deer, elk, pronghorn and golden eagles.

— cynthia sewell, idahostatesman, "Farewell, western juniper. Idaho, feds partner to yank the plant & let sagebrush return," 31 May 2018
The area is home to elk, blacktail deer, pig, bear and quail.

— sarah tilton, WSJ, "Northern California Ranch of the Late Dean Witter Asks $31 Million," 30 May 2018
Some of those charged in Oregon are also being prosecuted in Washington state for allegedly killing bears, deer, elk or bobcats illegally.

— the seattle times, OregonLive.com, "Dozens more charges filed in wildlife poaching ring probe," 16 May 2018
In the last century, wildlife conservationists have been able to bring elk back to Michigan’s forests and incorporate peregrine falcon nests into buildings in downtown Detroit, Mt. Clemens and Lansing.

— michigan wildlife council, Detroit Free Press, "No strangers to the endangered," 9 May 2018
So in six of the last seven years, Fish and Game has sought to kill wolves to boost elk.

— Washington Post, "10 wolves killed in northern Idaho to boost elk numbers," 14 Mar. 2018
Bart George, a wildlife biologist for the Kalispel Tribe, said the cougar was eating mostly elk.

— CBS News, ""Monster" 197-pound cougar captured by Washington state biologists," 9 Mar. 2018
In addition to deer, the land is home to other mammals such as elk, black bear, wolves, coyotes and bobcat.

— lee bergquist, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "DNR adds more land for fishing, hunting and other public uses in $7.2 million deal," 23 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.