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
Sophie Williams, Billboard, 1 May 2025
The top echelon of Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon has dissolved into a circle of mutual recrimination and enmity worthy of a Mexican standoff from a Quentin Tarantino film.
—The Editors, National Review, 28 Apr. 2025
Both stars have been clearly positioned to enter the upper echelon of WWE stars, too.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Back then, Wrexham was struggling in the lower echelons of the soccer system and lacked any sense of direction.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
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Noun
Consistently ducking the expectations of indie’s upper echelons — the ones which the band vaulted into with 2015’s My Love Is Cool — has only further affirmed Wolf Alice’s influence and longevity.
—Sophie Williams, Billboard, 1 May 2025
The top echelon of Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon has dissolved into a circle of mutual recrimination and enmity worthy of a Mexican standoff from a Quentin Tarantino film.
—The Editors, National Review, 28 Apr. 2025
Both stars have been clearly positioned to enter the upper echelon of WWE stars, too.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Back then, Wrexham was struggling in the lower echelons of the soccer system and lacked any sense of direction.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 26 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 20 May. 2025.
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