ell

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈel

Synonyms of ell next

: a former English unit of length (as for cloth) equal to 45 inches (about 1.14 meters)

also : any of various units of length used similarly

ell

2 of 3

noun (2)

: an extension at right angles to the length of a building

: an elbow in a pipe or conduit

ELL

3 of 3

abbreviation

English language learner; English language learning

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English eln, from Old English; akin to Old High German elina ell, Latin ulna forearm, Greek ōlenē elbow, Sanskrit aratni

Noun (2)

alteration of el entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of ell was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ell. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

ell

1 of 2 noun

ˈel

: a former English unit of length for cloth equal to 45 inches (1.1 meters)

ell

2 of 2 noun

: a part of a building that extends at right angles to the main part

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