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

And a winter wildlife tour with adventure company Radventures ($86) takes in iconic sites like Cave and Basin thermal springs while scouting resident animals like bighorn sheep and elk. —Jen Murphy, Outside, 20 Dec. 2025

This aligns with past research in Banff National Park, where a series of wildlife crossings have helped reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by 80 percent — or 96 percent for just elk and deer. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 18 Dec. 2025

This disease is a deadly neurological malady that can spread among deer, elk, and moose populations though contact with saliva, blood, urine, or feces. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025

Work at the facility includes projects on highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu), white-nose syndrome in bats, and chronic wasting disease in deer and elk. —Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 8 Dec. 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