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
Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
Matt Rhule professed his love for living and working in Nebraska and trying to return the Cornhuskers to the upper echelon of college football.
—Eric Olson, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
Erin Doyle, a longtime producer, was elevated at the start of the season to the top echelon of senior staff.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 12 Oct. 2025
For nearly a century, fine diners have been chasing Michelin stars to experience the upper echelon of restaurants around the world.
—Rachel Chang, AFAR Media, 10 Oct. 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
For much of this year, the upper echelon of the Hot 100 has felt stagnant – which means a Swift takeover could last longer than the brief blink-and-you-miss-it No.
—Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
Matt Rhule professed his love for living and working in Nebraska and trying to return the Cornhuskers to the upper echelon of college football.
—Eric Olson, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
Erin Doyle, a longtime producer, was elevated at the start of the season to the top echelon of senior staff.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 12 Oct. 2025
For nearly a century, fine diners have been chasing Michelin stars to experience the upper echelon of restaurants around the world.
—Rachel Chang, AFAR Media, 10 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share