plural levels
1
: a device for establishing a horizontal line or plane by means of a bubble in a liquid that shows adjustment to the horizontal by movement to the center of a slightly bowed glass tube
2
: a measurement of the difference of altitude of two points by means of a level
3
: horizontal condition
especially
: equilibrium of a fluid marked by a horizontal surface of even altitude
water seeks its own level
4
a
: an approximately horizontal line or surface taken as an index of altitude
Charts were arranged at eye level.
b
: a practically horizontal surface or area (as of land)
the level of the plateau
5
: a position in a scale or rank (as of achievement, significance, or value)
funded at the national level
The job appeals to me on many levels.
6
a
: a line or surface that cuts perpendicularly all plumb lines that it meets and hence would everywhere coincide with a surface of still water
b
: the plane of the horizon or a line in it
7
: a horizontal passage in a mine intended for regular working and transportation
8
: a concentration of a constituent especially of a body fluid (such as blood)
a normal blood-sugar level
9
10
: one of a series of discrete parts through which a player moves or progresses during the course of a game (such as a video game)
A commonly held belief among developers is that the opening level of a well-programmed game teaches the player what thematic rules to anticipate going forward.—
Salvatore Pane
Salvatore Pane
leveled or levelled; leveling or levelling
ˈle-və-liŋ 
ˈlev-liŋ
1
: to make (a line or surface) horizontal : make flat or level
level a field
level off a house lot
3
: to bring to a common level or plane : equalize
love levels all ranks—W. S. Gilbert
W. S. Gilbert4
a
: to lay level with or as if with the ground : raze
b
: to knock down
leveled him with one punch
5
: to make (something, such as color) even or uniform
6
: to find the heights of different points in (a piece of land) especially with a surveyor's level
1
: to attain or come to a level
The plane leveled off at 10,000 feet.
see also level up
2
: to aim a gun or other weapon horizontally
3
: to bring persons or things to a level
4
: to deal frankly and openly
1
a
: having no part higher than another : conforming to the curvature of the liquid parts of the earth's surface
b
: parallel with the plane of the horizon : horizontal
2
a
: even or unvarying in height
b
: equal in advantage, progression, or standing
c
: proceeding monotonously or uneventfully
d(1)
: steady, unwavering
gave him a level look
3
: reasonable, balanced
arrive at a justly proportional and level judgment on this affair—Sir Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Churchill4
: distributed evenly
level stress
5
: being a surface perpendicular to all lines of force in a field of force : equipotential
6
: suited to a particular rank or plane of ability or achievement
top-level thinking
7
: of or relating to the spreading out of a cost or charge in even payments over a period of time
Synonyms
Examples of level in a Sentence
Noun
The pictures were hung on the wall at eye level.
The pictures were hung at different levels.
There was a high level of alcohol in his blood.
a normal level of intelligence
Prices have risen to a new level.
She rose to the level of manager.
She has reached a rare level of financial success.
These problems affect people at all levels of society.
Can this problem be dealt with at a national level or must it be addressed at an international level?
Verb
They will level the field.
We need to level the garden before we plant anything.
The earthquake leveled the city.
He leveled his opponent with a right hook.
The robber leveled a gun at his head.
Several complaints have been leveled at the store.
Criticism has been leveled against the government for not responding to this crisis.
Adjective
We pitched the tent on level ground.
an airplane in level flight
Interest rates have remained level.
See More
Recent Examples on the WebTerri Peters, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2023
In 2022, 158 Palestinians were killed there, in the worst level of violence in two decades.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 Nov. 2023
As the sun sets earlier and the days get shorter, you’re exposed to less natural light, which can cause your levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that influences mental health) to dip, lowering your mood and energy levels along with it, Dr. Chan says.
—Julia Ries, SELF, 3 Nov. 2023
Kraft has seen significant changes in students’ skill levels and confidence.
—Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2023
And there are still some notable premium features missing, including adjustable noise cancellation levels and on-ear detection.
—Geoffrey Morrison, wsj.com, 2 Nov. 2023
Those with lower education level and lower socioeconomic groups also had higher rates of untreated elevated cholesterol.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2023
The Norwegian central bank maintained its key policy rate at its current level on Thursday, but confirmed an increase is likely later this year.
—Joshua Kirby, WSJ, 2 Nov. 2023
The reality star had a .24 blood alcohol level, which is three times the legal limit, law enforcement officials told TMZ.
—Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 2 Nov. 2023
Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 15 Nov. 2023
Acres of dense neighborhoods, usually occupied by poor people of color, were leveled to clear the way for monolithic developments and freeways.
—Benjamin Schneider, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2023
The neighborhood his mother’s family lived in was levelled.
—Rozina Ali, The New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2023
By the 8th century C.E., however, rising sea levels, earthquakes, and tsunamis had leveled both Canopus and Heracleion, sending the cities into the sea.
5.
—Joshua Learn, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2023
Entire neighborhoods had been leveled in Gaza, and the reported death toll was rising by the hundreds every day.
—Declan Walsh, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023
The Israeli siege and near-constant bombing of Gaza in response to the October 7 murder and kidnap rampage by Hamas has leveled entire neighborhoods, including schools and mosques, and devastated the already insufficient health care system.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 23 Oct. 2023
When the cup is full, level it off with the straight side of a knife.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2023
On Monday, Israel deployed drones, snipers and dozens of armored vehicles, including two bulldozers that tore up streets and infrastructure near the camp, leveled the iconic arched gate over its entrance and destroyed a sculpture commemorating the 2002 Israeli incursion.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Nov. 2023
Left alone, on a level stretch of pavement, the car can maintain its balance.
—IEEE Spectrum, 1 Nov. 2023
There is also a level indicator on the base that turns green when it’s leveled correctly, so you can be assured your baby is secure.
—Jessica Booth, Parents, 2 Aug. 2023
Both charges are level four felonies, which carry sentences between two to 12 years.
—The Indianapolis Star, 8 June 2023
He was then taken to Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Freeman said, a level II trauma center better equipped to handle the severity of his illness.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 24 Apr. 2023
In October of 1953, the Pentagon invited the press and public to Palmdale in Southern California to see a demonstration of the Air Force’s new F-100 Super Sabre, the first U.S. plane capable of level supersonic flight.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 6 June 2023
And when this was a level ocean floor, the shells of clams and crustaceans and things settled down over the millennia and formed a cemented layer, which is called a hard-pan layer.
—Christopher Intagliata, Scientific American, 1 May 2023
Everyone has a right to pursue such pleasures, but the playing field is hardly level.
—Rhonda Garelick, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2023
See More
Noun
From sleek, retro sneakers to hands-free high tops, these new product launches take the brand’s slip-on shoes to the next level.
—Terri Peters, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2023
In 2022, 158 Palestinians were killed there, in the worst level of violence in two decades.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 Nov. 2023
As the sun sets earlier and the days get shorter, you’re exposed to less natural light, which can cause your levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that influences mental health) to dip, lowering your mood and energy levels along with it, Dr. Chan says.
—Julia Ries, SELF, 3 Nov. 2023
Kraft has seen significant changes in students’ skill levels and confidence.
—Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2023
And there are still some notable premium features missing, including adjustable noise cancellation levels and on-ear detection.
—Geoffrey Morrison, wsj.com, 2 Nov. 2023
Those with lower education level and lower socioeconomic groups also had higher rates of untreated elevated cholesterol.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2023
The Norwegian central bank maintained its key policy rate at its current level on Thursday, but confirmed an increase is likely later this year.
—Joshua Kirby, WSJ, 2 Nov. 2023
The reality star had a .24 blood alcohol level, which is three times the legal limit, law enforcement officials told TMZ.
—Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 2 Nov. 2023
Verb
Judge Beryl Howell, who will oversee the trial, has already leveled harsh sanctions against the former New York mayor over his failure to comply with discovery requests, awarding Freeman and Moss north of $230,000.
—Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 15 Nov. 2023
Acres of dense neighborhoods, usually occupied by poor people of color, were leveled to clear the way for monolithic developments and freeways.
—Benjamin Schneider, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2023
The neighborhood his mother’s family lived in was levelled.
—Rozina Ali, The New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2023
By the 8th century C.E., however, rising sea levels, earthquakes, and tsunamis had leveled both Canopus and Heracleion, sending the cities into the sea.
5.
—Joshua Learn, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2023
Entire neighborhoods had been leveled in Gaza, and the reported death toll was rising by the hundreds every day.
—Declan Walsh, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023
The Israeli siege and near-constant bombing of Gaza in response to the October 7 murder and kidnap rampage by Hamas has leveled entire neighborhoods, including schools and mosques, and devastated the already insufficient health care system.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 23 Oct. 2023
When the cup is full, level it off with the straight side of a knife.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2023
On Monday, Israel deployed drones, snipers and dozens of armored vehicles, including two bulldozers that tore up streets and infrastructure near the camp, leveled the iconic arched gate over its entrance and destroyed a sculpture commemorating the 2002 Israeli incursion.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023
Adjective
The retractable foils and electric motor extend out when the C-8 reaches a speed of 16 knots and adjust in real-time to ensure a smooth, perfectly level flight even in choppy waters.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Nov. 2023
Left alone, on a level stretch of pavement, the car can maintain its balance.
—IEEE Spectrum, 1 Nov. 2023
There is also a level indicator on the base that turns green when it’s leveled correctly, so you can be assured your baby is secure.
—Jessica Booth, Parents, 2 Aug. 2023
Both charges are level four felonies, which carry sentences between two to 12 years.
—The Indianapolis Star, 8 June 2023
He was then taken to Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Freeman said, a level II trauma center better equipped to handle the severity of his illness.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 24 Apr. 2023
In October of 1953, the Pentagon invited the press and public to Palmdale in Southern California to see a demonstration of the Air Force’s new F-100 Super Sabre, the first U.S. plane capable of level supersonic flight.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 6 June 2023
And when this was a level ocean floor, the shells of clams and crustaceans and things settled down over the millennia and formed a cemented layer, which is called a hard-pan layer.
—Christopher Intagliata, Scientific American, 1 May 2023
Everyone has a right to pursue such pleasures, but the playing field is hardly level.
—Rhonda Garelick, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'level.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English, plumb line, from Anglo-French livel, from Vulgar Latin *libellum, alteration of Latin libella, from diminutive of libra weight, balance
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of level was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing level
Dictionary Entries Near level
Cite this Entry
“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/level. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
level
1 of 3 noun
lev·el
ˈlev-əl
1
: a device used (as by a carpenter) to establish a horizontal line or surface
2
: a horizontal line or surface usually at a named height
placed at eye level
3
: a step or stage in a scale or rank (as of achievement, significance, importance, or value)
rose to the level of manager
4
a
: an amount of something especially in comparison with typical or expected amounts
production is at a low level this year
b
: the amount of a substance especially per unit volume of a body fluid (as blood)
a high level of sugar in the blood
level
2 of 3 verb
leveled or levelled; leveling or levelling
ˈlev-(ə-)liŋ
1
: to make or become horizontal, flat, or even
3
: to knock flat
the explosion leveled the house
4
: to reach or come to a level
the plane leveled off at 10,000 feet
leveler
noun
or leveller
-(ə-)lər
level
3 of 3 adjective1
: having a flat even surface
a level lawn
2
: being on a line with the horizon : horizontal
in a level position
3
: of the same height or rank : even
the water is level with my waist
4
: steady and cool in judgment
a level head
levelly
adverb
levelness
noun
Medical Definition
level
noun
lev·el
ˈlev-əl
1
: a characteristic and fairly uniform concentration of a constituent of the blood or other body fluid
a normal blood-sugar level
2
a
: a degree of ability or aptitude or measure of performance
b
: a grade of mental and emotional development or maturity
evidence as to levels of personality development (e.g., anal, oral)—G. P. Murdock
G. P. Murdock
More from Merriam-Webster on level
Nglish: Translation of level for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of level for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about level
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