elk

American  

[elk] / ɛlk /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of elk

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

Example Sentences

A girl with fading pink hair is ladling up bowls of elk soup to serve with cornbread.

From Literature

We have to go with Clare to a dark place—a very dark place indeed—a place where few foxes and only a handful of elk and absolutely no badgers have ever gone before.

From Literature

Sure, the closest grocery store may be leagues away and, yeah, the freezer is stocked with elk meat instead of ice cream.

From Salon

They also documented where and when wolves killed prey, mainly elk, bison, and deer.

From Science Daily

Rory McIlroy will use one of his mother's favourite dishes among appetisers, that also include elk, when he hosts the traditional champion's dinner before his defence of the Masters next month.

From BBC