rear echelon
noun
: an element of a military headquarters or unit located at a considerable distance from the front and concerned especially with administrative and supply duties
Examples of rear echelon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That weapon enables the Ukrainians to attack deep into Russia’s rear echelon and destroy its ammunition depots, bases and other infrastructure, forcing the Russians to stretch their supply lines and hold reserve troops farther from the front.
—
Peter Champelli, WSJ, 2 Mar. 2023
Ukrainian military officials have also discussed with American officials the importance of increasing pressure on Russia’s rear echelon in Crimea, which supports military operations elsewhere in Ukraine.
—Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Peter Champelli, WSJ, 2 Mar. 2023
Ukrainian military officials have also discussed with American officials the importance of increasing pressure on Russia’s rear echelon in Crimea, which supports military operations elsewhere in Ukraine.
—Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Rear echelon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rear%20echelon. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share