elm

noun

ˈelm 

1

: any of a genus (Ulmus of the family Ulmaceae, the elm family) of usually large deciduous north temperate-zone trees with alternate stipulate leaves and fruit that is a samara

2

: the wood of an elm

Illustration of elm

• elm 1

Examples of elm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The vintage French sideboard in solid elm is by Maison Regain. —Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024

February through May, the city sees pollen from spring trees like elm, ash and pecan. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Dec. 2024

Other Good Deals Photograph: Branch Branch Adjustable Laptop Stand $65 $55 at Branch $65 at west elm Well, whaddya know. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024

Our top allergens right now are ragweed and elm, per Pollen.com. —Shafaq Patel, Axios, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German elme elm, Latin ulmus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing elm

• American elm
• Dutch elm disease
• elm bark beetle
• elm leaf beetle
• elm yellows
• slippery elm
• smaller European elm bark beetle
• winged elm

Kids Definition

elm

noun

ˈelm 

1

: any of a genus of large deciduous trees that have toothed leaves and nearly circular one-seeded winged fruits and are often grown as shade trees

especially : american elm

2

: the wood of an elm