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

Illustration of elm
  • elm 1

Examples of elm 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.
At the end of the 2200 block, a massive elm tree laid across the street and six volunteers worked to chop it into smaller pieces with chain saws. Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 19 May 2025 The organization expects that in the future, species that require at least 20 inches of annual rainfall could perish (some, like the Montezuma cypress and cedar elm, are already dying). Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025 Flower and vegetable gardens, oaks, redwoods and elms. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025 Meanwhile, experts say some native trees—including hemlock, elm and beech—are struggling in the city. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for elm

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

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

Cite this Entry

“Elm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elm. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

elm

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on elm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!