elevation

noun

el·​e·​va·​tion ˌe-lə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the height to which something is elevated: such as

a

: the angular distance of something (such as a celestial object) above the horizon

b

: the degree to which a gun is aimed above the horizon

c

: the height above the level of the sea : altitude

2

: a dancer's or an athlete's leap and seeming suspension in the air

also : the ability to achieve an elevation

3

: an act or instance of elevating

4

: something that is elevated: such as

a

: an elevated place

b

: a swelling especially on the skin

5

: the quality or state of being elevated

6

: a geometrical drawing that depicts one vertical plane of an object or structure

Did you know?

When you're hiking, you may be interested in knowing the highest elevation you'll be reaching. Psychologists use the term "mood elevation" to mean improvement in a patient's depression, and some leg ailments require elevation of the limb, usually so that it's higher than the heart for part of each day. Elevation can also mean "promotion;" thus, a vice president may be elevated to president, or a captain may be elevated to admiral.

Synonyms

• promotion
• ascent
• advancement
• rise

Choose the Right Synonym for elevation

height, altitude, elevation mean vertical distance either between the top and bottom of something or between a base and something above it.

height refers to something measured vertically whether high or low.

a wall two meters in height

altitude and elevation apply to height as measured by angular measurement or atmospheric pressure; altitude is preferable when referring to vertical distance above the surface of the earth or above sea level; elevation is used especially in reference to vertical height on land.

fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters

Denver is a city with a high elevation

Examples of elevation in a Sentence

a plant species found only at higher elevations

We charted the elevations in her temperature.

Recent Examples on the Web

The tall, steep mountains that rise to 6,000 feet in elevation in the Grandfather District saw triple digit winds and some of the heaviest rainfall of the storm with hundreds of miles of trail and road destroyed. —Graham Averill, Outside, 16 Sep. 2025

The historic venue is known for its challenging corners, unique and demanding elevation changes and the world-famous Corkscrew. —Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Come autumn, swaths of reds, yellows, and deep browns appears on the maples and other deciduous trees that thrive in the area's elevation—the canyon’s highest point sits at 4,987 feet above sea level. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025

The scenic route typically closes for the season in mid-October due to its high elevation, which exposes it to dangerous winter weather conditions. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing elevation

• angle of elevation

Rhymes for elevation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

elevation

noun

el·​e·​va·​tion ˌel-ə-ˈvā-shən 

1

a

: the height to which something is raised

b

: the height above sea level : altitude

2

: an act or instance of elevating

3

: an elevated place (as a hill)

4

: the quality or state of being elevated

Medical Definition

elevation

noun

el·​e·​va·​tion ˌel-ə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: a swelling especially on the skin

2

: a usually abnormal increase (as in degree or amount)