level

noun

lev·el | \ ˈle-vəl

Definition of level

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

4a : 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

6a : 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 : the magnitude of a quantity considered in relation to an arbitrary reference value broadly : magnitude, intensity a high level of hostility

on the level

: bona fide, honest

level

verb

leveled or levelled; leveling or levelling\ ˈle-və-liŋ

, ˈlev-liŋ \

Definition of level (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to make (a line or surface) horizontal : make flat or level level a field level off a house lot

2a : to bring to a horizontal aiming position

b : aim, direct leveled a charge of fraud

3 : to bring to a common level or plane : equalize love levels all ranks— W. S. Gilbert

4a : 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

intransitive verb

1 : to attain or come to a level the plane leveled off at 10,000 feet

2 : to aim a gun or other weapon horizontally

3 : to bring persons or things to a level

4 : to deal frankly and openly

level

adjective

Definition of level (Entry 3 of 3)

1a : 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

2a : 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

(2) : calm, unexcited spoke in level tones

3 : reasonable, balanced arrive at a justly proportional and level judgment on this affair— Sir Winston Churchill

4 : 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

level best

: very best

Other Words from level Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing level Learn More About level

Other Words from level

Adjective

levelly \ ˈle-və(l)-lē

\ adverb

levelness \ ˈle-vəl-nəs

\ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for level

Adjective

level, flat, plane, even, smooth mean having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities. level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon. the vast prairies are nearly level flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions. the work surface must be flat plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface. the plane sides of a crystal even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight. trim the hedge so it is even smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities. a smooth skating rink

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 Web: Noun After rising a day earlier, the average daily increase in the state's case count over a rolling seven-day period fell to 962, its lowest level since the week ending July 5. — Andy Davis, Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2022 Authorities asked companies to adjust working hours and raised the nation’s crisis alert to its highest level. — Dasl Yoon, WSJ, 9 Aug. 2022 But its ultimate level of import is impossible to judge right now. — Brian Stelter, CNN, 9 Aug. 2022 McKenzie added that there was no need for individuals to advertise their security clearance level on social media. — Chloe Taylor, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2022 What skills and talents activate your level of excitement and creativity? — Robert J Moore, Forbes, 9 Aug. 2022 The military maneuvers have sent tensions in the Taiwan Strait to their highest level in decades, threatening key shipping routes and trade in a region crucial to global supply chains. — Lily Kuo, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2022 There will be various stations to review bike safety and bike maintenance, as well as two different obstacle courses, with the chance to win a ribbon for winning your grade level. — cleveland, 8 Aug. 2022 For the most comfortable fit and safe ride, communicate with the shop the kind of riding you plan to do and your skill level. — Stephanie Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Since August 2020, Instagram has been using Reels to mimic the short-form video style of TikTok and is actively pushing and promoting this feature to level out the playing field. — David Villa, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 Most tackle more than one application, such as a stainless steel bow rake that's capable of moving heavy gravel and sand and can level soil and spread mulch in spring. — Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 5 Aug. 2022 From his early days in education, Mass. commissioner sought to level playing fieldMass. — Adria Watson, BostonGlobe.com, 28 July 2022 Make sure it's centered and level and attach the box to the pole using lag bolts. — Lucy Fitzgerald, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2022 Earlier this year, a dispute between China and Lithuania pushed the EU to level a case at the WTO. — Simone Mccarthy, CNN, 17 July 2022 Our farmers and ranchers need access to new markets to level out the playing ﬁeld to continue to grow our nation’s food supply. — Fox News, 27 June 2022 So, in order to level the playing field, Gene calculated a plan to get close to Jeff’s mother, Marion, who’s portrayed by the beloved Carol Burnett. — Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 July 2022 His lawyer said this was an effort by the chief to level the playing field. — Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 23 July 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective But experts say that would be an ideal scenario if, in fact, there was a level playing field. — Paulina Villegas, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2022 Homegrown e-commerce competitors to giants Flipkart and Amazon, such as SnapDeal, who wish to compete on user experience and price on a level playing field, are signing up for ONDC. — Alex Salkever, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2022 Yet for a moment on Tuesday, during an hour-long news conference at Big Ten media days, Harbaugh appeared to indicate that McNamara and McCarthy would enter training camp on a level playing field despite the former’s success last season. — Michael Cohen, Detroit Free Press, 27 July 2022 Two jumped out: While most on the call support regulation to ensure a level playing field, the actual regulations being proposed by the SEC, particularly on climate disclosure, create some serious problems. — David Meyer, Fortune, 21 July 2022 The Treasury said international cooperation with other governmental authorities, the private sector and other stakeholders will be crucial to maintaining high regulatory standards and a level playing field. — Mengqi Sun, WSJ, 8 July 2022 However, with a level playing field for corporate climate risk disclosures, capturing this opportunity will be a matter of differentiation—business leaders will need to set and demonstrate progress toward more holistic sustainability goals. — R. Mukund, Forbes, 1 July 2022 And so, what that means is, there isn't a level playing field. — CBS News, 12 June 2022 If well-calibrated and deployed effectively, the EU’s trade defense tools could go a long way towards ensuring a level playing field for businesses in the region. — Mary Hui, Quartz, 14 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'level.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of level

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

Learn More About level

Dictionary Entries Near level

levée en masse

level

level-coil

Statistics for level

Last Updated

12 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/level. Accessed 18 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for level

level

noun

lev·el | \ ˈle-vəl

Kids Definition of level

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a horizontal line or surface usually at a named height Hold it at eye level.

2 : a step or stage in height, position, or rank She rose to the level of manager.

3 : a device used (as by a carpenter) to find a horizontal line or surface

level

verb

leveled or levelled; leveling or levelling

Kids Definition of level (Entry 2 of 3)

: to make or become horizontal, flat, or even

level

adjective

Kids Definition of level (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : having a flat even surface Find a level place to set up the tent.

2 : horizontal entry 1 … the bridge, instead of rising, went across just level …— Anna Sewell, Black Beauty

3 : of the same height or rank : even

4 : steady and cool in judgment The rescuers kept level heads.

Choose the Right Synonym for level

Adjective

level, flat, and even mean having a surface without bends, curves, or interruptions. level is used especially for a surface or a line that does not slant up or down. We traveled a level road between two hills. flat is used for a surface that is free from curves or bumps or hollows whether or not it is parallel to the ground. I need a flat work surface. even is used when there is a lack of breaks or bumps in a line or surface. Dad trimmed the hedge to make it even.