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

The Tule River acquisition restores some of the tribe’s sacred homeland, and will enable a host of conservation projects, including protecting the Deer Creek watershed, protecting habitat for California condors and reintroducing tule elk.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But it turns out the Golden State’s regrowing wolf packs are not merely content to feed on their traditional prey of elk and deer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

High beef prices have Smith thinking about taking his rifle and tracking down deer or elk, though he hasn’t hunted in almost three decades.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But what was once a beloved attraction with a catchy commercial jingle has faced growing scrutiny over its care for animals, which also included land animals like bears and elk.

Read more on BBC

A wandering elk spotted at dozens of locations across Central Europe this summer has been captured by authorities in Austria and released close to the Czech border.

Read more on BBC