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

But now, with July 4 just weeks away, the county will no longer have the elm tree that was a cornerstone of its plans, according to Pierog. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

The kitchen is dreamy with its huge windows and Siberian elm countertops; same goes for the back patio with its trellis covering a full-size outdoor-dining table that feels straight out of Under the Tuscan Sun. — Clio Chang, Curbed, 14 June 2026

This woodland oasis surrounds a historic 1812 house featuring ornamental shrubs, perennials, apple trees, and an American elm. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026

The walls and ceiling feature 200-year-old wood reclaimed from farmhouses, and the furniture is made from local elm. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 1 June 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