Elbow — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈel-ˌbō/ el·bow

Meaning & Definition of Elbow

Elbow (noun)

  1. the joint of the human arm
  2. a corresponding joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate
  3. something (such as macaroni or an angular pipe fitting) resembling an elbow

Elbow (verb)

  1. to push with the elbow, jostle
  2. to shove aside by pushing with or as if with the elbow
  3. to force (one's way) by pushing with or as if with the elbow

Elbow (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to force one's way

    "the sort of greedy person who is always the first to elbow to the front of the buffet table at every party"

    similar: bore, bull, bulldoze, crash, jam, jostle, muscle, press, push, shoulder, squeeze
    related: ram, shove, thrust

Related Entry: Elbow grease (noun)

Elbow grease is a different word from Elbow. The synonyms below are for elbow grease, not for elbow.

  1. the active use of energy in producing a result

    "with a little polish and a lot of elbow grease, I was able to make the old silver teapot shine again"

    similar: effort, exertion, expenditure, labor, pains, sweat, trouble, while, work
    related: drudgery, grind, slog, strain, toil, travail, dint, energy, force, might, muscle, power, puissance, attempt, endeavor, essay, fling, go, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack
    near: adroitness, ease, facility, fluency, smoothness, dormancy, idleness, inaction, inactivity, indolence, inertia, languor, laziness, quiescence

Related Entry: Elbow room (noun)

Elbow room is a different word from Elbow. The synonyms below are for elbow room, not for elbow.

  1. an extent or area available for or used up by some activity or thing

    "help me move the furniture so that we'll have enough elbow room to do some aerobics"

    similar: place, room, space, way
    related: capacity, compass, range, scope, berth, clearance, freedom, latitude, leeway, play

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Elbow

The most common words with a similar meaning to Elbow:

bore, bull, bulldoze, crash, jam, jostle, muscle, press, push, shoulder, squeeze

Related Words for Elbow

ram, shove, thrust

Word Forms of Elbow

Inflections: elbowed, elbowing, elbows

Origin & Etymology of Elbow

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

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Elbow

Words & Phrases Containing Elbow

elbow bump, elbow grease, elbow room, at one's elbow, tennis elbow, at someone's elbow, give (someone) the elbow, more power to someone's elbow

Frequently Asked Questions about Elbow

What does "Elbow" mean?

"Elbow" means the joint of the human arm. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the joint of the human arm.

What is another word for "Elbow"?

Other words for "Elbow" include bore, bull, bulldoze, crash, jam, jostle, muscle and press. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Elbow" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Elbow"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Elbow". Common alternatives include bore, bull, bulldoze, crash, jam, jostle, muscle, press, push and shoulder.

How do you use "Elbow" in a sentence?

Examples of "Elbow" in a sentence: "the sort of greedy person who is always the first to elbow to the front of the buffet table at every party".

Is "Elbow" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Elbow" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Elbow" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Elbow" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Elbow"?

"Elbow" is pronounced /ˈel-ˌbō/ and divided into syllables as el·bow.

What is the origin of the word "Elbow"?

"Elbow" comes from Middle English elbowe, from Old English elboga, from el- (akin to eln ell) + Old English boga bow ell, bow. First known use: before 12th century.