Elbow
/ˈɛlboʊ/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe joint in the middle of your arm where your upper and lower arm meet.
/ˈɛlboʊ/
The joint between the forearm and the upper arm.
He injured his elbow playing tennis.
💡 Simply: Your elbow is like a hinge in your arm that lets you bend it. Imagine trying to open a door – your elbow is the hinge!
👶 For kids: The bendy part in the middle of your arm!
More Examples
The artist rested his elbow on the table while painting.
The child scraped his elbow when he fell down.
How It's Used
"The doctor examined the patient's elbow for signs of injury."
"The basketball player accidentally hit his opponent's elbow during the game."
To push someone roughly with your elbow, often to get past them.
/ˈɛlboʊ/
To push or shove someone with your elbow.
She elbowed past the crowd to get to the front of the stage.
💡 Simply: Elbowing means using your elbow to push someone out of the way. Like, if you're trying to get to the front of a concert and have to gently shove past people.
👶 For kids: To push with your elbow.
More Examples
He elbowed his way onto the train.
Don't elbow me, it hurts!
How It's Used
"He elbowed his way through the crowded marketplace."
"The runner was accused of elbowing another player during the race."
Idioms & expressions
elbow grease
Hard work; physical effort.
"It took a lot of elbow grease to get the old car running again."
give someone the elbow
To reject someone or end a relationship with them.
"After the argument, she decided to give him the elbow."
From Old English *elnboga*, from *eln* 'elbow, arm' + *boga* 'bow, bend'.
The word 'elbow' has been in use since Old English and its meaning has remained relatively consistent throughout history, referring to the joint of the arm or, figuratively, to a push.
Memory tip
Think of the shape - a bend in the arm.
Word Origin
"arm-bend"