elm

American  

[elm] / ɛlm /

noun

1. any tree of the genus Ulmus, as U. procera English elm, characterized by the gradually spreading columnar manner of growth of its branches.

2. the wood of such a tree.

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elm British  

/ ɛlm /

noun

1. any ulmaceous tree of the genus Ulmus, occurring in the N hemisphere, having serrated leaves and winged fruits (samaras): cultivated for shade, ornament, and timber

2. the hard heavy wood of this tree

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Etymology

Origin of elm

before 1000; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Old High German elm; akin to Old Norse almr, Latin ulmus

Example Sentences

Their findings show that temperate woodland species, including oak, elm, and hazel, were present much earlier than suggested by pollen records from Britain.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

However, Dutch elm disease means many trees die before they reach their full height.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

And when things feel hopeless, we step outside our door and watch the golden light stream through our old California elm.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

The chair and cage - also made from English elm - are due to be auctioned on 6 December.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025

‘Then I bet it wasn’t an inch. What he saw was an elm tree, as like as not.’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien