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
The carnivores quickly made meals out of Yellowstone’s abundant elk, helping drive their population down to the roughly 2,000 individuals that spend winter in the park now.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025
These static, profile views often depict male and female elk, sometimes with calves, and occasionally alongside other Ice Age fauna such as mammoths, woolly rhinos, and ostriches.
—Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 24 July 2025
That $151 license entitles the hunter to one deer, one elk, and one black bear as well as fish and gamebirds.
—Ray Alt, Outdoor Life, 27 Mar. 2025
Also in 2024, a tourist in Yellowstone National Park was charged and knocked down by a massive bull elk near Mammoth Hot Springs.
—Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for elk
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Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025
These static, profile views often depict male and female elk, sometimes with calves, and occasionally alongside other Ice Age fauna such as mammoths, woolly rhinos, and ostriches.
—Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 24 July 2025
That $151 license entitles the hunter to one deer, one elk, and one black bear as well as fish and gamebirds.
—Ray Alt, Outdoor Life, 27 Mar. 2025
Also in 2024, a tourist in Yellowstone National Park was charged and knocked down by a massive bull elk near Mammoth Hot Springs.
—Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for elk
Cite this Entry
“Elk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elk. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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