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

Each species, from the tiniest insect to the largest elk, contributes to the grove’s ecological balance. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Local climbers tied their own ropes to the elk, ran the rigging over a tree, and created a hauling system. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 7 Jan. 2025

Our Lake City wildlife officer, Lucas Martin, received a call about the elk, recruited some backup and deployed to the scene. —Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025

Perhaps there’s a buffalo safari in Tanzania, a brown bear hunt on Kodiak Island, or an elk hunting foray to Arizona in your future? —Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

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