1
a
: the joint of the human arm
b
: a corresponding joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate
2
: something (such as macaroni or an angular pipe fitting) resembling an elbow
elbowed; elbowing; elbows
1
a
: to push with the elbow : jostle
b
: to shove aside by pushing with or as if with the elbow
people elbowed each other to get a better view
2
: to force (one's way) by pushing with or as if with the elbow
elbowing our way through the crowd
Synonyms
Examples of elbow in a Sentence
Noun
He wore a tattered coat with holes in the elbows.
Verb
The actor's bodyguards rudely elbowed everyone out of the way.
Everyone was shoving and elbowing to get a good position.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
Here's how to do a side plank: Turn to one side with your legs extended and your feet and hips planted on the ground
Put your elbow under your shoulder and push your abs and hips up until the top of your body forms a straight line
Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 2 June 2024
Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 28 May 2024
May 28, 2024 Elon Musk aggressively elbowed his way into the space launch business over the past two decades, combining engineering genius and an entrepreneurial drive with a demand that the U.S. government stop favoring the big, slow-moving contractors that had long dominated the industry.
—Eric Lipton, New York Times, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for elbow 
Noun
Lukas did not grow up on some farm in Kentucky, mucking stables as a teenager and rubbing elbows all day, every day, with grizzled horsemen.
—Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
Here's how to do a side plank: Turn to one side with your legs extended and your feet and hips planted on the ground
Put your elbow under your shoulder and push your abs and hips up until the top of your body forms a straight line
Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 2 June 2024
Verb
As the woman passed Stora, officials say Stora allegedly elbowed the woman's left shoulder, causing pain and bruising.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 28 May 2024
May 28, 2024 Elon Musk aggressively elbowed his way into the space launch business over the past two decades, combining engineering genius and an entrepreneurial drive with a demand that the U.S. government stop favoring the big, slow-moving contractors that had long dominated the industry.
—Eric Lipton, New York Times, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for elbow
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elbow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near elbow
Cite this Entry
“Elbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elbow. Accessed 12 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elbow
1 of 2 noun
el·bow
ˈel-ˌbō 
1
a
: the joint of the arm
also
: the outer curve of a bent arm
b
: a corresponding joint in the front limb of an animal
2
: a part (as of a pipe) bent like an elbow
elbow
2 of 2 verb1
: to push or shove with the elbow : jostle
2
: to advance by or as if by pushing with the elbow
elbowed his way to the front
Medical Definition
elbow
noun
el·bow
ˈel-ˌbō
1
: the joint between the human forearm and the upper arm that supports the outer curve of the arm when bent
called also elbow joint
2
: a joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate corresponding to the elbow
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