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

To better understand its ecological effects, Jusino and her colleagues studied dead elm trees both with and without golden oyster mushrooms.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026

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

The Friends of the Quantocks has now planted more than 400 elm trees, the white-letter hairstreak's natural habitat, in a bid to boost their numbers.

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

‘But this one was as big as an elm tree, and walking — walking seven yards to a stride, if it was an inch.’

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