elk

noun

ˈelk 

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

There are those moments between Bob and Terry, but there are all those moments with the elk. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024

Once thought to be extinct, the elk were reintroduced into the park in the late 1970s. —Richard Halstead, The Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2024

The minimum population estimate for the herd is 315 elk, according to NPS’ 2024 annual count. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024

On Tuesday, the DNR received a report from city officials that the elk was wandering around in downtown Rogers City, according to their statement. —Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing elk

• tule elk

Kids Definition

elk

noun

ˈelk 

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