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
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.
Perhaps there’s a buffalo safari in Tanzania, a brown bear hunt on Kodiak Island, or an elk hunting foray to Arizona in your future? Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Those wait times are longer than most hunters can usually hang an elk or deer in their garage in mild weather. Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 25 Dec. 2024 Their first date involved downing whiskey from a bottle in Rip's car and watching wolves feast on an elk. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024 Officials are investigating a poaching incident in Redwood National Park that killed four elk and poses an ongoing deadly threat to condors in the region. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for elk 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of elk was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near elk

Cite this Entry

“Elk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elk. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

elk

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on elk

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