: any of a genus (Ulmus of the family Ulmaceae, the elm family) of usually large deciduous north temperate-zone trees with alternate stipulate leaves and fruit that is a samara
2
: the wood of an elm
Illustration of elm
elm 1
Examples of elm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Maples, elms, and ash tree seeds have this plant structure.—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025 The Chinese elm was standing, the rope swing swaying in a light breeze.—Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 Cedar elms are upright-oval for many years, somewhat like an egg standing upright.—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Sep. 2025 The project also raises awareness about Brighton’s leadership in elm conservation and serves as a reminder of the fragility of our natural world.—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elm
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German elme elm, Latin ulmus
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of elm was
before the 12th century
Share