# tusk

/ˈtəsk/ (US) · /tˈʌsk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tusk
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. animal tooth

noun · CEFR B2

one of the two very long, pointed teeth that grow out of the mouth of animals like elephants, walruses, or wild boars.

For teachers: an elongated, protruding tooth—typically a canine or incisor—found in certain mammals and used for digging, fighting, or display.

- The elephant used its long tusks to strip the bark off the trees.
- Poachers continue to threaten elephant populations because of the high black-market value of the ivory found in their tusks.

Usage: Usually used in the plural since these teeth typically grow in pairs.

### 2. to gore or dig

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to hit or dig into something using tusks.

For teachers: to gore with the tusks or to dig up soil using them, as observed in the behavior of wild boars.

- The angry boar managed to tusk the side of the wooden fence.
- The ground was heavily disturbed where the boars had tusked the earth in search of edible roots and tubers.

Usage: This verb is often used transitively, taking a direct object.

Teaching tip: This verbal use is rare in modern conversation; students will mostly encounter it in nature documentaries or older literature.

## Examples

- The elephant used its tusk to dig for water.
- The walrus used its massive tusk to break through the thick ice and reach the fish below.
- While the primary function of the elephant's tusk is for digging and stripping bark, it also serves as a formidable weapon during territorial disputes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.