Definition of "elbow" in English

noun

1. (anatomy) The joint between the upper arm and the forearm.

2. (by extension) Any turn or bend like that of the elbow, in a wall, building, coastline, etc.; an angular or jointed part of any structure, such as the raised arm of a chair or sofa, or a short pipe fitting, turning at an angle or bent.

   • the sides of windows, where the jamb makes an elbow with the window back

3. (US, dated, early 20th-century slang) A detective.

4. (basketball) Part of a basketball court located at the intersection of the free-throw line and the free-throw lane.

5. A hit, strike, or blow with the elbow.

6. (knots) Two nearby crossings of a rope.

verb

1. (transitive) To push with the elbow or elbows; to forge ahead using the elbows to assist.

   • He elbowed his way through the crowd.

2. To strike with the elbow.

3. To nudge, jostle or push.

4. (informal, with "out" or "aside") To force (someone) to quit or lose their job so that someone else can be hired.

   • The president was elbowed out of power by members of her own party.