1
: any of a genus (Ulmus of the family Ulmaceae, the elm family) of usually large deciduous north temperate-zone trees with alternate stipulate leaves and fruit that is a samara
2
: the wood of an elm

Illustration of elm

Illustration of elm
  • elm 1

Examples of elm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nestled in the Elm Heights neighborhood next to a 70-plus-food American elm that gave the restaurant its name, owners Martha and David Moore created a gathering space that invites guests to sit for a cup of coffee and pastry, a cocktail and small plates to share or a meal crafted to excite. Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 Nestled in the Elm Heights neighborhood next to a 70-plus-foot American elm that gave the restaurant its name, owners Martha and David Moore created a gathering space that invites guests to sit for a cup of coffee and pastry, a cocktail and small plates to share or a meal crafted to excite. Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024 The floodplain forests along the upper Mississippi River are mostly made up of silver maple, cottonwood, willow, green ash and American elm. Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024 In its unfolded flat state, our origami structure tumbles chaotically in the wind, similar to an elm leaf. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 28 Sep. 2023 Part of the path follows the Cedar River and goes through a verdant landscape of cottonwoods, elms, native grasses and wildflowers. Brian E. Clark, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2023 More:What to know about the aggressive grass taking over forests along the upper Mississippi River More:Dutch elm disease came first. Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024 Plant your elm in an area without much foot traffic. Erin Hayes Burt, Dallas News, 18 July 2023 Dry, unpigmented, medium-density woods – elm, poplar and cottonwood are some examples – will work well for the spindle and the hearth board. Bradley Duncan, Discover Magazine, 25 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German elme elm, Latin ulmus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elm was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near elm

Cite this Entry

“Elm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elm. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

elm

noun
1
: any of a genus of large deciduous trees that have toothed leaves and nearly circular one-seeded winged fruits and are often grown as shade trees
especially : american elm
2
: the wood of an elm

More from Merriam-Webster on elm

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