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 Learn More about level

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Synonyms & Antonyms for level

Synonyms: Noun

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Kentucky is a finalist for five-star high school point guard TyTy Washington, who has planned a May 15 commitment date, and has been linked to almost every high-level point guard in the transfer portal. — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, "What C.J. Fredrick's commitment means for Kentucky basketball recruiting," 5 May 2021 High-level clouds should begin building later in the afternoon through the evening, giving a hint of what’s to come for the rest of the week. — oregonlive, "Portland warm Wednesday weather: Summer-like temperatures won’t stick around," 5 May 2021 But many of its members are academics or former high-level government ministers and advocacy group officials. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, "Column: Facebook’s non-decision on banning Trump does no one any good," 5 May 2021 The final decision surely won’t be made by acclamation, but, for now, the single-level version is the obvious choice. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, "Could We Really Get a Good Penn Station?," 5 May 2021 The initial plans called for a Radisson hotel, but McClendon is now looking at other mid- to upper-level brands. — Tom Daykin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "An apartment building and hotel are planned for downtown's Park East strip. They would use the last site owned by Milwaukee County.," 5 May 2021 Marriotts Ridge High School media specialist Lynn Rashid won the senior-level Maryland History Day Teacher of the Year award from Maryland Humanities. — Jacob Calvin Meyer, baltimoresun.com, "Howard schools, county health department to host COVID vaccine clinic for older students | EDUCATION NOTEBOOK," 4 May 2021 His experience, wherewithal, and understanding of high-level high school and college basketball will be a huge asset for our young women. — Alex Harrison, The Enquirer, "McNicholas announces former Lawrenceburg coach Blackwell as girls basketball head coach," 4 May 2021 The Academy of the Arts is looking to build a school for middle and high school students that is on par with the Chicago Academy for the Arts and is committed to providing both a high level arts curriculum and a rigorous academic education. — Suzanne Baker, chicagotribune.com, "Academy of the Arts seeking Naperville location for its new full-time school, which could open by 2025," 4 May 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The No-Jito mocktail offering could easily be rummed-up and made traditional, but the inclusion of Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits — the botanical, herbaceous Garden variety — helps level up the libation, says Zimmerman. — Amy Drew Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Here’s to Mom: Mother’s Day libations for the lady of the house," 5 May 2021 Renting provides a cost-effective way to level up your equipment for strenuous projects, such as moving heavy loads of compost, rock, brick, or pavers to prep a garden bed, build a patio, or lay a path. — Samantha S. Thorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, "5 Ways Renting Equipment Can Save You Time and Money on Outdoor Projects This Summer," 4 May 2021 There’s an urgent need for degree programs that level up workers’ skills. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, "The sun is setting on A.I.’s Wild West," 27 Apr. 2021 For other pieces, skip the gimmicky gadgets and invest in tools that will seriously level up your kitchen skills, like a Vitamix. — Olivia Hosken, Town & Country, "Our Top Wedding Registry Picks from Amazon," 22 Apr. 2021 The engineering team behind the new drive has produced a device to level up the best read and write speeds on the market at 2,800MB/s – a milestone that GigaDrive claims is unreachable by any other external SSD. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes, "The Blazing GigaDrive SSD Claims The Fastest Speeds On The Market," 18 Apr. 2021 Rufail has even joked that Envy needed to level up its own apparel game. — Sean Collins, Dallas News, "North Texas esports showed its staying power during a challenging 2020. Can 2021 be even bigger?," 3 Feb. 2021 The Super League closely models North American sports leagues such as the NBA and the NFL, in which franchises use joint commercial agreements and collective bargaining with players to level the playing field. — Noah Robertson, The Christian Science Monitor, "Super League smashup: US business crashes into English soccer values," 23 Apr. 2021 Short of overhauling the entire system — and with these realities in mind — what can be done to level the playing field for all business owners within the current frameworks? — Payson Johnston, Forbes, "The Funding Gap: How To Address Two Huge Challenges Holding Back Minority-Owned Businesses," 20 Apr. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Sports is not now and never has been a level playing field. — Ann Killion, San Francisco Chronicle, "The hypocrisy of Caitlyn Jenner on transgender inclusion in youth sports," 6 May 2021 The vehicle miles traveled idea on electric cars, or some sort of a fee, makes a lot of sense to make sure there's a level playing field and there's fairness there. — NBC News, "Meet the Press - May 2, 2021," 2 May 2021 The European Commission’s statement of objections is a critical step toward holding Apple accountable for its anticompetitive behavior, ensuring meaningful choice for all consumers and a level playing field for app developers. — Chris Smith, BGR, "EU accuses Apple of anti-competitive behavior in Spotify antitrust case," 30 Apr. 2021 Many companies are looking for a level playing field that does not put them at risk of sharing sensitive data that competitors keep secret. — Evan Halper, Los Angeles Times, "Corporate secrecy over climate change targeted by Washington and California," 29 Apr. 2021 Still several prominent Connecticut Republicans are championing the issue, asserting that new laws are needed to ensure a level playing field for cisgender girls. — Daniela Altimari, courant.com, "A Connecticut court case has set off a flood of bills to limit transgender rights across the nation.," 25 Apr. 2021 This will drive investment in advanced technologies and provide a level playing field. — Fortune, "Scott Stringer: Strong clean vehicle standards will help U.S. automakers compete globally," 22 Apr. 2021 Without a level playing field, Aerojet would be hard pressed to keep up with Northrop. — Loren Thompson, Forbes, "Why A Lockheed-Aerojet Merger Is Good For Defense," 21 Apr. 2021 The 93rd Academy Awards worked around the global pandemic by shooting inside Union Station on a multi-level auditorium. — Darren Franich, EW.com, "What a weird Oscars: Review," 26 Apr. 2021

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.

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Last Updated

8 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Level.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/level. Accessed 17 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for level

level

noun

English Language Learners Definition of level

(Entry 1 of 3)

: a specific height

: a part of a building that is at a specific height

: an amount of something

level

verb

English Language Learners Definition of level (Entry 2 of 3)

: to make (something) flat or level

: to knock (someone or something) down to the ground

: to point (a weapon) at someone

level

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of level (Entry 3 of 3)

: having a flat or even surface

: not going up or down

: having the same height as something else

See the full definition for level in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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.