echelon
Echelon (noun) means a level or rank within an organisation, especially one of importance or seniority. Example: “She quickly rose to the upper echelons of the company.”
How to use echelon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rank or level, especially in the sense of "how high up" someone or something is.
Word forms
echeloned past tense, echelons plural, echelons singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She quickly rose to the upper _____ of the company.
Etymology
Borrowed from French échelon, "rung of a ladder," from échelle ("ladder"), ultimately from Latin scāla — the image is of ranks stepping up like rungs.
Rhymes for echelon
See all rhymes for echelon →Frequently asked questions
What does “echelon” mean?
The word “echelon” means a level or rank within an organisation, especially one of importance or seniority. In plain terms, a rank or level, especially in the sense of "how high up" someone or something is.
How do you pronounce “echelon”?
“Echelon” is pronounced EHSH-uh-lon (/ˈɛʃ.əˌlɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “echelon” in a sentence?
Here is “echelon” used in a sentence: “She quickly rose to the upper echelons of the company.”
What part of speech is “echelon”?
“Echelon” is a noun.
Where does the word “echelon” come from?
The word “echelon” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French échelon, "rung of a ladder," from échelle ("ladder"), ultimately from Latin scāla — the image is of ranks stepping up like rungs.
How many meanings does “echelon” have?
“Echelon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a level or rank within an organisation, especially one of importance or seniority.