ech·e·lon
ˈe-shə-ˌlän 
1
a(1)
: an arrangement of a body of troops with its units each somewhat to the left or right of the one in the rear like a series of steps
(2)
: a formation of units or individuals resembling such an echelon
geese flying in echelon
(3)
: a flight formation in which each airplane flies at a certain elevation above or below and at a certain distance behind and to the right or left of the airplane ahead
b
: any of several military units in echelon formation
also
: any unit or group acting in a disciplined or organized manner
served in a combat echelon
2
a
: one of a series of levels or grades in an organization or field of activity
involved employees at every echelon
b
: a group of individuals at a particular level or grade in an organization or field of activity
the upper echelons of management
echeloned; echeloning; echelons
: to form or arrange in an echelon
: to take position in an echelon
Did you know?
Echelon comes from scala, a Latin word meaning "ladder" that is also the source of French eschelon, meaning "rung of a ladder." Over time, the French word came to mean "step," "grade," or "level." English borrowed the word and upped its meaning to "a level or category within an organization or group of people."
Examples of echelon in a Sentence
Noun
the lower echelons of the bureaucracy
We heard stories of corruption in the upper echelons of the firm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 23 Feb. 2025
Late socialite and multi-hyphenate Gloria Vanderbilt was born into the uppermost echelons of American society during the 1920s, inheriting her family’s vast wealth and influence accumulated during the Gilded Age via the railroad and shipping industries.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025
Following his transfer, Dougherty Valley was immediately catapulted into the upper echelon of teams in the Bay Area before the start of the season.
—Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
The task is one that Robb Report’s judges are uniquely qualified to take on, being that this magazine’s readers are those who actually cross-shop, buy, and drive the vehicles that comprise the uppermost echelon of the automotive market.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for echelon
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
However, two caveats prevent it from climbing into the category's upper echelon: an extremely limited free tier and a lack of 24/7 customer support across its four plans.
—Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 23 Feb. 2025
Late socialite and multi-hyphenate Gloria Vanderbilt was born into the uppermost echelons of American society during the 1920s, inheriting her family’s vast wealth and influence accumulated during the Gilded Age via the railroad and shipping industries.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025
Following his transfer, Dougherty Valley was immediately catapulted into the upper echelon of teams in the Bay Area before the start of the season.
—Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
The task is one that Robb Report’s judges are uniquely qualified to take on, being that this magazine’s readers are those who actually cross-shop, buy, and drive the vehicles that comprise the uppermost echelon of the automotive market.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for echelon
Cite this Entry
“Echelon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/echelon. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share