elbow

1 of 2

noun

el·​bow ˈel-ˌbō How to pronounce elbow (audio)
Synonyms of elbownext
1
a
: the joint of the human arm
b
: a corresponding joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate
2
: something (such as macaroni or an angular pipe fitting) resembling an elbow
see also:
at one's elbow out at elbows

elbow

2 of 2

verb

elbowed; elbowing; elbows

transitive verb

1
a
: to push with the elbow : jostle
b
: to shove aside by pushing with or as if with the elbow
people elbowed each other to get a better view
2
: to force (one's way) by pushing with or as if with the elbow
elbowing our way through the crowd

intransitive verb

1
: to advance by pushing with the elbow
2
: to make an angle : turn

Synonyms of elbow

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of elbow in a Sentence

Noun He wore a tattered coat with holes in the elbows. Verb The actor's bodyguards rudely elbowed everyone out of the way. Everyone was shoving and elbowing to get a good position.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Griffin Jax was set to start for the Rays, but was removed hours before first pitch because of discomfort in his right elbow. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 Rodón, 33, had the start of his season delayed by an offseason cleanup procedure on his left elbow. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
After the bullpen had to cover all nine innings Saturday when Griffin Jax was scratched from a scheduled start due to elbow discomfort, Seymour worked six solid innings, allowing a first-inning run and nothing else. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 Caleb Rogers, who is competing with Jackson Powers-Johnson at right guard, appeared to injure his left arm or elbow, but wound up returning. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elbow

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English elbowe, from Old English elboga, from el- (akin to eln ell) + Old English boga bow — more at ell, bow

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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

Phrases Containing elbow

Rhymes for elbow

See All Rhymes for elbow

Browse Nearby Words

Elblag
elbow
elbow bending
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elbow. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

elbow

1 of 2 noun
el·​bow ˈel-ˌbō How to pronounce elbow (audio)
1
a
: the joint of the arm
also : the outer curve of a bent arm
b
: a corresponding joint in the front limb of an animal
2
: a part (as of a pipe) bent like an elbow

elbow

2 of 2 verb
1
: to push or shove with the elbow : jostle
2
: to advance by or as if by pushing with the elbow
elbowed his way to the front

Medical Definition

elbow

noun
el·​bow ˈel-ˌbō How to pronounce elbow (audio)
1
: the joint between the human forearm and the upper arm that supports the outer curve of the arm when bent

called also elbow joint

2
: a joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate corresponding to the elbow

More from Merriam-Webster on elbow

Nglish: Translation of elbow for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elbow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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