ell

¹ American  

[el] / ɛl /

Or el

noun

1. an extension usually at right angles to one end of a building.

2. elbow.

3. something that is L -shaped.

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ell ² American  

[el] / ɛl /

noun

1. a former measure of length, varying in different countries: in England equal to 45 inches (114 centimeters).

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ell ¹ British  

/ ɛl /

noun

1. an extension to a building, usually at right angles and located at one end

2. a pipe fitting, pipe, or tube with a sharp right-angle bend

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ell ² British  

/ ɛl /

noun

1. an obsolete unit of length equal to approximately 45 inches

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Etymology

Origin of ell¹

First recorded in 1765–75; a spelling of the letter name, or by shortening of elbow

Origin of ell²

First recorded before 950; Middle English, Old English eln; cognate with Old Norse eln, Old High German elina, Gothic aleina, Latin ulna, Greek ōlénē. See elbow

Example Sentences

The reference to the inch and the ell circles back to Mr. Auld’s warnings and recalls the impact of that moment on his life.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

The Wadsworth brothers say the oldest surviving part of the house — a rear ell — probably dates to 1680 and may be the site of an earlier, perhaps thatched roof house.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 5, 2019

I want them to ell me all about it.

From Golf Digest • May 18, 2018

While even supporters of the deal said the Malkins would become wealthy as a result of the offering, many said they wanted the ability afforded by a publicly traded company to ell their stakes easily.

From New York Times • May 29, 2013

The Great Hall of Winterf ell was hazy with smoke and heavy with the smell of roasted meat and fresh-baked bread.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

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