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

There’s also a good chance of seeing wildlife like bears and bull elk in early fall. —Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025

The closure shrouds the 8,000-foot-high plateau and its elk, bison and occasional backcountry skiers in a winter wilderness that some advocates hope to protect and others seek to unlock. —Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 5 Oct. 2025

There are deer in those draws, antelope on the plateau, and elk in the mountains. —Robert Merchant, Outdoor Life, 1 Oct. 2025

Shoulders’ death comes just eight days after the discovery of the bodies of Ian Stasko and Andrew Porter, two 25-year-old elk hunters who were reported missing on September 11. —Owen Clarke, Outside, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from Old English eolh; akin to Old High German elaho elk, Greek elaphos deer

First Known Use

before the 12th 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