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
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
Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 24 Feb. 2025
In his first game action since elbow surgery in October 2023, Alcantara on Sunday allowed one hit and registered a strikeout on 17 pitches in a one-inning appearance of a 1-1 tie against the Mets.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2025
Thomas Escritt, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
Now in its second year, Ojai Food + Wine, set for the weekend of March 13–16, is betting that luxury tastes better without elbowing through an inebriated crowd for a few truffle shavings.
—David Hochman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow
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Noun
The two-way player is tuning up for a possible May return to the mound after his second reconstructive right elbow surgery.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 24 Feb. 2025
In his first game action since elbow surgery in October 2023, Alcantara on Sunday allowed one hit and registered a strikeout on 17 pitches in a one-inning appearance of a 1-1 tie against the Mets.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
However, reunification in 1990 allowed Angela Merkel, the East German daughter of a protestant pastor, to enter politics and elbow both Schaeuble and Merz aside on her rise to become chancellor.
—Thomas Escritt, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
Now in its second year, Ojai Food + Wine, set for the weekend of March 13–16, is betting that luxury tastes better without elbowing through an inebriated crowd for a few truffle shavings.
—David Hochman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow
Cite this Entry
“Elbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elbow. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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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