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
Four elk hunters in Wyoming showed us what stepping up can look like.
—
Karlee Provenza, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
There are also roaring fireplaces in the communal areas (usually presided over by a moose or elk bust), oodles of wood and leather furniture, pieces of Indigenous art throughout, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the mountains.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Warm up with a plate of honey butter yeast rolls and the elk and bacon smash burger, and finish things off with a serving of banana pudding or a slice of three-layer chocolate cake.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Predator species are crucial to the state’s ecological systems, keeping populations of prey animals like deer and elk from growing too large and boosting biodiversity.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elk
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Karlee Provenza, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
There are also roaring fireplaces in the communal areas (usually presided over by a moose or elk bust), oodles of wood and leather furniture, pieces of Indigenous art throughout, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the mountains.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Warm up with a plate of honey butter yeast rolls and the elk and bacon smash burger, and finish things off with a serving of banana pudding or a slice of three-layer chocolate cake.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Predator species are crucial to the state’s ecological systems, keeping populations of prey animals like deer and elk from growing too large and boosting biodiversity.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elk
Cite this Entry
“Elk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elk. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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