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.
Today, the winter elk population in Yellowstone is fewer than 4,000—a number the park can sustain. Katie Jackson, Outside Online, 17 Mar. 2025 The elk lived in thick, brushy timber on top of a mountain that proved challenging to hunt. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025 Fall brings colorful foliage and the music of elk bugling. Becky Bartkowski, The Arizona Republic, 25 Nov. 2024 The smell of smoke and drying elk meat filled the air along the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, where the tribe set up food booths and educational stations. Joseph Lee, Vox, 14 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

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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