elk

[elk]

noun

plural

elks ,

plural

elk .

1. Also called European elk. the moose, Alces alces.

2. Also called American elk, wapiti. a large North American deer, Cervus canadensis, the male of which has large, spreading antlers.

3. a pliable leather used for sport shoes, made originally of elk hide but now of calfskin or cowhide tanned and smoked to resemble elk hide.

4. (initial capital letter),  a member of a fraternal organization Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks that supports or contributes to various charitable causes.

elk

/ ɛlk /

noun

1. a large deer, Alces alces, of N Europe and Asia, having large flattened palmate antlers: also occurs in North America, where it is called a moose

2. another name for wapiti

3. a stout pliable waterproof leather made from calfskin or horsehide

Word History and Origins

Origin of elk¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English eolc, eolh; cognate with German Elch ( Old High German el ( a ) ho ), Latin alcēs, Greek álkē

Word History and Origins

Origin of elk¹

Old English eolh; related to Old Norse elgr, Old High German elaho, Latin alcēs, Greek alkē, elaphos deer

Example Sentences

One of Gilbert’s brothers made the canvas from the hide of an elk he shot, and another painted it.

From Salon

It teemed with birds, beavers and tule elk, and sustained Yokut tribes who made their homes along the lakeshore and the rivers.

From Los Angeles Times

Other rewilding efforts - both legal and illegal - causing debate include sea eagles, lynx, wolves, elk, and even some species of butterfly, while sightings of wild boar on Dartmoor sparked division.

From BBC

“My feet were torn and oozing within my elk leather boots, and every inch of my skin was a rash of poison oak. Hours before I had been incapacitated by muscle cramps.”

From Los Angeles Times

Wildlife experts are "very excited" at the prospect of bringing back elks to the East Midlands - and to the UK - for the first time in about 3,000 years.

From BBC