It is a plural noun and can refer to:
* Students in a school
* Children in general
* People who are learning something
For example:
* "Les élèves de la classe sont très studieux." (The pupils in the class are very studious.)
* "Les élèves doivent être respectueux envers les professeurs." (The pupils must be respectful towards the teachers.)
* "Elle est une élève modèle." (She is a model pupil.)