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

Toast to your trip with local craft beer over a delectable meal like Rocky Mountain trout or Colorado elk at one of the many renowned restaurants. —AFAR Media, 23 May 2025

There’s a female elk that sports a dappled white coat living in Colorado. —Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

The elk are magnificent, but keep your distance and stay quiet so as to not disturb them. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025

Now, as Livingston was becoming crowded with Whitfield’s men over the course of the long afternoon, additional mercenaries kept arriving at the Yellowstone, where Zane and Aunt Cara — armed with an elk rifle — manage to fend off an impossible number of men. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 Apr. 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