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

Guests have to hike, ski, or snowshoe about a mile to reach this cozy yurt, where they’re treated to a candlelit, multicourse gourmet meal featuring Colorado specialties like elk, lamb, and trout. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025

Rader Lane, the ranger, said researchers had found that the elk might be crowding into the village because the Coconino Rim just south of there, where we were headed next, had a particularly high concentration of mountain lions. —Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Last month, two elk hunters were killed by lightning in Colorado, which also has a high incidence rate, after sheltering under a tree during a storm. —Owen Clarke, Outside, 24 Oct. 2025

Each fall, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado typically fills with visitors eager to see the aspens turn gold, hear elk bugle through the valleys, and catch those last clear days before snow settles on the peaks. —AFAR Media, 23 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