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
Leila Fadel, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Even with new hotels cropping up in Chicago (seemingly by the day), the elegant Peninsula remains a fixture in the upper echelon of must-stay properties.
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
Her commercial echelon, again, is more akin to pure pop artists like Madonna, whose lyrical narratives—while memorable—aren’t usually packed with diaristic detail.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
The latest clash reflects a broader pattern, with Netanyahu’s government having chronic tensions with the military echelon since the cabinet was sworn in in January 2023, often dismissing military advice.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for echelon
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Noun
This is a decision to be taken by the highest echelons of leadership here in Qatar.
—Leila Fadel, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Even with new hotels cropping up in Chicago (seemingly by the day), the elegant Peninsula remains a fixture in the upper echelon of must-stay properties.
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
Her commercial echelon, again, is more akin to pure pop artists like Madonna, whose lyrical narratives—while memorable—aren’t usually packed with diaristic detail.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
The latest clash reflects a broader pattern, with Netanyahu’s government having chronic tensions with the military echelon since the cabinet was sworn in in January 2023, often dismissing military advice.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2025.
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