Elbow

/ˈɛl.boʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The joint or region of the arm that bends between the upper arm and the forearm.

He bumped his elbow against the table and yelped in pain.

A bend in a pipe or other structure.

The plumber installed an elbow joint to redirect the water flow.

verb

To push or nudge with the elbow.

She elbowed her friend to get his attention during the movie.

To force one's way through a crowd using one's elbows.

He had to elbow his way through the throngs of people to reach the exit.

Middle English 'elbone', from Old English 'elbn', meaning 'the arm joint'.

elbow grease

Hard physical effort or work.

to elbow one's way

To push through a crowd using one's elbows.

at one's elbow

Close by or near someone.

forearm

The part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist.

joint

A point where two or more bones meet.

bend

A curve or angle in something.

To elbow someone out

She elbowed him out of the way to get to the front.

Elbow bender

He's quite the elbow bender at parties, always drinking.