What is elbow? Pronunciation and usage in English

elbow means . Learn how to pronounce and use elbow through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of elbow

elbownoun

/ˈɛlbəʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of elbow

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "elbow" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈelboʊ/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. “el”: Pronounced like "ell" – like in "tell" or "cell".
  2. “bow”: This is the tricky part. It’s pronounced like "bow" as in "bow tie," but with a slightly rounded, almost "oo" sound at the end. It’s not a pure “oo” as in “moon,” but more of a short, relaxed "oh" sound.

Important Points:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("el").
  • The "w" sound: The "w" in "bow" is often softened or almost disappears. It's more of a vowel sound blending into the "o."

Resources to help you hear it:

To summarize: Think “ell-bow” with a small, relaxed “oh” sound at the end of the "bow" syllable.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "elbow"?

Usage and examples with the word elbow in English

Let's break down how to use the word "elbow" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by its different uses:

1. The Body Part (Most Common)

  • Definition: The bony part of the upper arm, connecting the shoulder to the forearm.
  • Usage: This is the most familiar meaning.
  • Examples:
    • "He had a nasty bruise on his elbow."
    • "She bent her elbow to reach the shelf."
    • "Be careful not to bump your elbow on the table."

2. A Difficult or Tricky Situation (Idiomatic)

  • Definition: A difficult or contentious issue; a sticking point.
  • Usage: This is a common idiom. It's about having to exert effort or overcome resistance.
  • Examples:
    • "The union is trying to get its demands on wages and benefits past the company's elbow." (Meaning: getting the company to agree is difficult.)
    • "Negotiating the contract was a real elbow – both sides were unwilling to compromise."
    • "Dealing with the bureaucracy was quite an elbow."

3. To Force a Way (Idiomatic)

  • Definition: To push or force something through, often with difficulty.
  • Usage: This describes the act of overcoming resistance.
  • Examples:
    • "He tried to elbow his way to the front of the crowd." (Meaning: he pushed through to get ahead.)
    • "The company had to elbow its way into a new market." (Meaning: they had to compete fiercely and overcome obstacles.)

4. A Metal Fitting (Mechanical)

  • Definition: A joint that connects two pipes or tubes, allowing them to bend.
  • Usage: This is a technical term.
  • Examples:
    • "The plumber installed an elbow joint to change the direction of the water pipe."
    • "The diagram shows the proper placement of the elbow fitting."

5. (Less Common) To Extend or Stretch

  • Definition: To extend or stretch out.
  • Usage: This is less frequently used, and often sounds a bit formal.
  • Example: "She elbowed her way through the crowd." (Meaning: she pushed her way through.)

Here’s a quick guide to help you remember which meaning is likely:

  • Body Part: When you’re talking about anatomy.
  • Difficult Situation/Force a Way: When you’re talking about challenges or overcoming obstacles.
  • Metal Fitting: When you're discussing plumbing or mechanics.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "elbow"? (e.g., a casual conversation, a technical report, a creative writing piece?)

Synonyms for the word elbow

Idioms of the word elbow

get the elbow
(British English, informal)to be told by somebody that they no longer want to have a relationship with you; to be told to go away
    give somebody the elbow
    (British English, informal)to tell somebody that you no longer want to have a relationship with them; to tell somebody to go away
      more power to somebody’s elbow
      (British English, old-fashioned, informal)used to encourage somebody or express support for their actions
        not know your arse from your elbow
        (British English, offensive, slang)to be very stupid; to have absolutely no skill
          rub elbows with somebody
          to meet and spend time with a famous person, socially or as part of your job
          • He’s rubbing elbows with stars all the time.
          • He had been rubbing elbows with celebrities.

          Practice with vocabulary elbow

          Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

          1. After hours of intense coding, John felt a sharp pain in his right _____. He decided to take a break.
          2. The company's new open-plan office offers employees plenty of ____ room, fostering better collaboration.
          3. She gently tapped him on the _____ to get his attention without interrupting the speaker.
          4. To ensure the pipe fit snugly around the corner, the plumber had to ____ it slightly.

          Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

          1. Which of the following phrases can describe having enough space to work or move freely? a) ample legroom b) considerable headroom c) sufficient elbow room d) abundant floor space

          2. If you need to gently push someone out of the way in a crowded professional setting, what body part might you primarily use? a) your knee b) your elbow c) your shoulder d) your fist

          3. Which of these words can refer to a sharp bend in a pipe or a similar structure? a) curve b) angle c) elbow d) kink

          4. Which action is most commonly associated with flexing or extending the wrist? a) nodding b) gripping c) blinking d) shrugging

          5. When a person tries to integrate into a new social or professional circle, they might try to ________ with influential members. a) rub shoulders b) touch bases c) rub elbows d) exchange pleasantries

          Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

          1. There wasn't enough room for everyone to work comfortably on the project.
          2. The junior associate made an effort to socialize with the senior partners at the industry event.
          3. The road had a sharp turn just before the old bridge, making it difficult for large trucks to navigate.

          Answer:

          Exercise 1:

          1. elbow
          2. elbow
          3. shoulder
          4. bend

          Exercise 2:

          1. c) sufficient elbow room
          2. b) your elbow, c) your shoulder
          3. a) curve, b) angle, c) elbow, d) kink
          4. b) gripping
          5. a) rub shoulders, c) rub elbows

          Exercise 3:

          1. There wasn't enough elbow room for everyone to work comfortably on the project.
          2. The junior associate tried to rub elbows with the senior partners at the industry event.
          3. The road had a sharp bend just before the old bridge, making it difficult for large trucks to navigate.

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