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 most devastating example was Dutch elm disease which came into the United States in the 1930s in infected logs, then killed majestic American elms that lined city streets across the eastern half of the country. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025

The downy woodpecker eats the beetles that cause Dutch elm disease, as well as the emerald ash borer, which is wreaking havoc on our native ashes. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

By comparison, woods like cottonwood, willows, pines and American elm burn faster and put out less heat in the process. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025

Then, in 2005, Benenson did it again — killing four trees, including an English elm that dated to the park’s original 1844 plantings. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 29 July 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

Rhymes for elm

• helm
• realm
• overwhelm

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