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
The Hill Staff, The Hill, 11 Feb. 2025
In what was arguably the funniest presentation for an honor tonight, Despicable Me star Steve Carell had the Fairmont Century Ballroom full of producers in stitches before Meledandri hit the mic, elbowing the room for being envious of Meledandri’s honor.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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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
The pause came as President Trump has been elbowing Powell to keep cutting rates to spur economic growth, reviving tensions between the White House and the Fed that were a hallmark of Trump’s first term.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 11 Feb. 2025
In what was arguably the funniest presentation for an honor tonight, Despicable Me star Steve Carell had the Fairmont Century Ballroom full of producers in stitches before Meledandri hit the mic, elbowing the room for being envious of Meledandri’s honor.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 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 1 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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