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.
Monkeys were introduced for the 1904 season and a popular touring act called the High Diving Elks, which featured elks trained to jump from heights of more than 20 feet into a water tank. Jeremy Drouin, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025 In Washington State, the Snoqualmie Pass East wildlife crossing has recorded more than 8,000 elk, 13,000 deer, 3,200 coyotes and 6 cougars crossing since 2014. Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025 But the Southern Ute also wanted to install an overpass, since certain species, particularly elk, seem to greatly prefer them. Catrin Einhorn, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025 There are some 2,000 elk on the property and several lodges dotting the grounds, as well as two heated helicopter pads for year-round use. Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 13 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elk. Accessed 1 May. 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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