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

Right now, tree pollen, especially oak, elm and ash have kicked in and are at high or very high levels when combined. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026

Even elm trees, notorious victims of Dutch elm disease, aren’t out of the question. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026

The cemetery was divided in two by a windbreak of giant elms. —Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

There are rolling hills, sandstone outcroppings and dense forests of oak, mesquite and elm trees. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025

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