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

Rare butterflies have been spotted after a group of volunteers planted hundreds of elm trees.

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

Scientists had feared the ash would go the way of the elm, which has been almost wiped out by Dutch elm disease.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025

They halted under an elm tree: its leaves though fast turning yellow were still thick, and the ground at its feet was fairly dry and sheltered.

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