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 of elevation

• 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

With elevations ranging from 5,500 feet to nearly 13,000 feet, the varied topography of the forest provides a vast playground suited for every season. —Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

Moore’s elevation to the Senate could intensify the association between the GOP and men who once preyed on teenagers. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026

Utah Leads The Way For Dark-Sky Tourism With its dark skies, high elevations and abundant Dark Sky Parks, Utah emerged as the dominant state in the ranking, placing three towns in the top 10. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

There are some options for different activity levels on each day of the itinerary, but expect to be logging several miles a day at an elevation between 4,300 and 9,700 feet. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 June 2026

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)