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

Thirty minutes before dark a small- band of wild horses came to drink, but no elk came. —Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 12 Sep. 2024

Four elk were shot and killed in a poaching incident at a national park, according to authorities. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 30 July 2024

This would lead to fewer elk and deer on the landscape and would require CPW to spend more of its diminishing funds dealing with livestock depredations and other conflicts with humans. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 15 Aug. 2024

Officials charged Cruz with intentionally taking an antlered elk without a proper license on Feb. 5. —Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 20 June 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