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
Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
They’re modeled after the way a massage therapist uses their body parts as tools, kneading with the blade of the hand at one point, then pressing or rolling with the heel of the palm, the elbow or forearm.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024
Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Larger breeds of dogs that are more prone to elbow and hip dysplasia can be more likely to develop arthritis, said Enomoto, who is the lead author of a February study that found more young dogs have arthritis than previously thought.
—Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elbow 
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Noun
Bieber made two Guardians starts in 2024, but was then shut down due to a barking elbow.
—Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
They’re modeled after the way a massage therapist uses their body parts as tools, kneading with the blade of the hand at one point, then pressing or rolling with the heel of the palm, the elbow or forearm.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
The Orioles’ star closer is expected to be ready for the start of spring training after missing the entire 2024 season recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery.
—Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Larger breeds of dogs that are more prone to elbow and hip dysplasia can be more likely to develop arthritis, said Enomoto, who is the lead author of a February study that found more young dogs have arthritis than previously thought.
—Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elbow
Dictionary Entries Near elbow
Cite this Entry
“Elbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elbow. Accessed 22 Dec. 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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