1
a
: the joint of the human arm
b
: a corresponding joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate
2
: something (such as macaroni or an angular pipe fitting) resembling an elbow
elbowed; elbowing; elbows
1
a
: to push with the elbow : jostle
b
: to shove aside by pushing with or as if with the elbow
people elbowed each other to get a better view
2
: to force (one's way) by pushing with or as if with the elbow
elbowing our way through the crowd
Examples of elbow in a Sentence
Noun
He wore a tattered coat with holes in the elbows.
Verb
The actor's bodyguards rudely elbowed everyone out of the way.
Everyone was shoving and elbowing to get a good position.
Recent Examples on the Web
Zack Meisel, New York Times, 19 May 2025
After undergoing elbow surgery after the 2021 season, Taylor struggled to maintain the mechanics in his swing.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
The flurry of bodies OKC runs at him has served its purpose, leaving the three-time MVP visibly frustrated with the officiating as Lu Dort alternates between flopping and elbowing and Isaiah Hartenstein dives at knees.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow
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Noun
Santana’s at-bats per extra-base hit, by year: 2025: 21.3
2024: 10.6
2023: 9.6
2022: 11.6
2021: 16.6
2020: 13.7
2019: 8.8
David Fry will return soon from elbow surgery, and if Santana’s power hasn’t resurfaced by then, the Guardians can’t be afraid to slice into his playing time.
—Zack Meisel, New York Times, 19 May 2025
After undergoing elbow surgery after the 2021 season, Taylor struggled to maintain the mechanics in his swing.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
While he was being taken into custody, Swift allegedly elbowed an officer in the face, Munch said.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
The flurry of bodies OKC runs at him has served its purpose, leaving the three-time MVP visibly frustrated with the officiating as Lu Dort alternates between flopping and elbowing and Isaiah Hartenstein dives at knees.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow
Cite this Entry
“Elbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elbow. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elbow
1 of 2 noun
el·bow
ˈel-ˌbō 
1
a
: the joint of the arm
also
: the outer curve of a bent arm
b
: a corresponding joint in the front limb of an animal
2
: a part (as of a pipe) bent like an elbow
elbow
2 of 2 verb1
: to push or shove with the elbow : jostle
2
: to advance by or as if by pushing with the elbow
elbowed his way to the front
Medical Definition
elbow
noun
el·bow
ˈel-ˌbō
1
: the joint between the human forearm and the upper arm that supports the outer curve of the arm when bent
called also elbow joint
2
: a joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate corresponding to the elbow
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