elk
elk Lexical Profile
elk Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A very large gregarious deer (Cervus canadensis) of the family Cervidae, native to North America and eastern Asia, having a reddish-brown coat, a dark neck mane, a pale rump patch, and large branching antlers in the male; the wapiti.
"A herd of elk grazed peacefully in the high mountain meadow at dawn."
British The largest extant species of the deer family Cervidae (Alces alces), native to the boreal forests of northern Eurasia and North America, characterized by long legs, a drooping snout, and broad, palmate antlers in the male; known in North America as the moose.
"The Eurasian elk waded through the shallow marsh in search of aquatic vegetation."
The lean, flavorful red meat of the elk, prized as game venison for roasting, grilling, or stewing.
"The mountain lodge served roasted elk with a wild berry reduction."
A soft, durable, pliable leather made from elk hide, or from cowhide or calfskin tanned to resemble it, used especially for moccasins, boots, and garments.
"The artisan stitched the traditional winter moccasins from supple smoked elk."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, 'elk' refers to the wapiti (Cervus canadensis), whereas in British and European English, 'elk' denotes the animal known in North America as the moose (Alces alces).
• Rhymes for elk
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English eolh, derived from Proto-Germanic *elhaz and ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'red' or 'brown', referring to the animal's coat color.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.