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
Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2025
These findings, archaeologists said, indicate the deceased individual belonged to the upper echelons of society.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
His ascent to the main event echelon of WWE has been nothing short of remarkable.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Five years later, the Alliance counts 110 brands in its diverse membership of catalog producers and upper echelon independents across 24 countries.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for echelon
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Noun
But as the question posed by its title indicates, the actor and singer holds the world to pretty exacting standards — and her debut full-length is a confident, sumptuous statement of intent that places her firmly in R&B’s upper echelons.
—Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2025
These findings, archaeologists said, indicate the deceased individual belonged to the upper echelons of society.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
His ascent to the main event echelon of WWE has been nothing short of remarkable.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Five years later, the Alliance counts 110 brands in its diverse membership of catalog producers and upper echelon independents across 24 countries.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2025.
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