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
elbowed; elbowing; elbows
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
Synonyms
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
Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2024
Wright left Game 5 briefly in the first quarter after taking an elbow to the mouth while defending a layup attempt by Brown, who was called for an offensive foul on the play with 4:26 left in the opening period.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for elbow 
Noun
The Met Gala is the rare occasion that brings together the biggest names in film, television, music, fashion, sports, technology and business to rub elbows on the red carpet and at the ultra-exclusive party.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2024
Wright left Game 5 briefly in the first quarter after taking an elbow to the mouth while defending a layup attempt by Brown, who was called for an offensive foul on the play with 4:26 left in the opening period.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for elbow
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elbow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near elbow
Cite this Entry
“Elbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elbow. Accessed 6 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elbow
1 of 2 noun
el·bow
ˈel-ˌbō 
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 verb1
: 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
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
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