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.
Casey currently holds both the No. 3 and No. 4 records for non-typical elk in the P&Y book. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 2 Jan. 2025 The announcement Monday was celebrated by advocates for the park’s elk. Richard Halstead, The Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2024 Move over Messi; there's a soccer-playing elk in town. Ronnie Li, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024 The numbers of elks killed by people and wolves have been updated. Byvirginia Morell, science.org, 23 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

Dictionary Entries Near elk

Cite this Entry

“Elk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elk. Accessed 24 Jan. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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