ech·e·lon
ˈe-shə-ˌlän 
1
a(1)
: an arrangement of a body of troops with its units each somewhat to the left or right of the one in the rear like a series of steps
(2)
: a formation of units or individuals resembling such an echelon
geese flying in echelon
(3)
: a flight formation in which each airplane flies at a certain elevation above or below and at a certain distance behind and to the right or left of the airplane ahead
b
: any of several military units in echelon formation
also
: any unit or group acting in a disciplined or organized manner
served in a combat echelon
2
a
: one of a series of levels or grades in an organization or field of activity
involved employees at every echelon
b
: a group of individuals at a particular level or grade in an organization or field of activity
the upper echelons of management
echeloned; echeloning; echelons
: to form or arrange in an echelon
: to take position in an echelon
Did you know?
Echelon comes from scala, a Latin word meaning "ladder" that is also the source of French eschelon, meaning "rung of a ladder." Over time, the French word came to mean "step," "grade," or "level." English borrowed the word and upped its meaning to "a level or category within an organization or group of people."
Synonyms
Examples of echelon in a Sentence
Noun
the lower echelons of the bureaucracy
We heard stories of corruption in the upper echelons of the firm.
Recent Examples on the Web
James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024
The clashes have played out in Wyoming's highest echelons.
—Cy Neff, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
The clampdown formed part of wider measures aimed at the upper echelons, with private equity bosses, private schools, second homes and private jets all faced with new levies.
—Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
The news comes after a raft of changes in the upper echelons of Fremantle’s country divisions.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024
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Noun
The top echelons of Leadville society were those on the winning side of the mining equation.
—Dictionary Entries Near echelon
Cite this Entry
“Echelon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/echelon. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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