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.

---

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

---

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

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

However, he added the group found about 100 elm trees in the Quantocks and has planted 430 more disease resistant elms across 38 plots of land.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The chair and cage - also made from English elm - are due to be auctioned on 6 December.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025

But Dutch elm disease, an invasive fungus spread by bark beetles to which the native trees had no defense, has decimated the elm by tens of millions across the continent.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2025

Made of elm and built by her father when he married her mother, the table was large, sturdy, and dependable—and so much more than a place for meals.

From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper