elbow
7 synonyms for elbow, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The joint connecting the upper arm to the forearm.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use elbow
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
elbow your way
elbow room
elbow joint
rest your elbows
Etymology
From Old English elboga, a combination of words meaning "ell" (a unit of length, roughly forearm-sized) and "bow" (a bend).
Full origin of elbow →Frequently asked questions
What does “elbow” mean?
The word “elbow” means the joint connecting the upper arm to the forearm. In plain terms, the bendy joint in the middle of your arm, or, as a verb, to shove your way somewhere using it.
How do you pronounce “elbow”?
“Elbow” is pronounced EHL-boh (/ˈɛlboʊ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “elbow” in a sentence?
Here is “elbow” used in a sentence: “He scraped his elbow when he fell off his bike.”
What part of speech is “elbow”?
Depending on how it is used, “elbow” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “elbow” come from?
The word “elbow” comes from Old English. From Old English elboga, a combination of words meaning "ell" (a unit of length, roughly forearm-sized) and "bow" (a bend).
Is “elbow” a common word?
“Elbow” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “elbow” have?
“Elbow” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the joint connecting the upper arm to the forearm.
What is the difference between "elbow" and "nudge" as verbs?
To elbow someone means to push them physically with your elbow, often forcefully, to get past them or claim space. To nudge is gentler and can be a light touch with any part of the body, or even a figurative prompt, so "elbow" implies more force and intent than "nudge."
What does it mean to "elbow your way" through a crowd?
"Elbow your way" describes pushing forcefully through a tightly packed crowd using your elbows to create space, often implying rudeness or determination. It is commonly used figuratively too, as in "elbow your way into a market," meaning to force entry into a competitive situation.
Why is a bend in a pipe or road called an "elbow"?
A pipe or road "elbow" gets its name because the sharp angled bend resembles the shape of a bent human arm at the elbow joint. Plumbers specifically use "elbow" as the technical term for an angled pipe fitting.
