elm

noun

ˈelm 

1

: 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

In southern Wyoming, ferns briefly flourished where relatives of elms, walnuts, dawn redwood and avocado trees once thrived. — Regan E. Dunn, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026

Blizzard says that morels most commonly grow around ash or elm trees. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

This includes ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae, Eastern redbuds, elms, American hornbeams, and many river birches. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 July 2026

The slender American sweet gum looked unassuming, especially compared to the enormous English elm neighboring it. — Joanna Thompson, Space.com, 27 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing elm

• American elm
• Dutch elm disease
• elm bark beetle
• elm leaf beetle
• elm yellows
• slippery elm
• smaller European elm bark beetle
• winged elm

Rhymes for elm

• helm
• realm
• overwhelm

Kids Definition

elm

noun

ˈelm 

1

: any of a genus of large deciduous trees that have toothed leaves and nearly circular one-seeded winged fruits and are often grown as shade trees

especially : american elm

2

: the wood of an elm