Meaning of the word echelon in English
What does echelon mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
echelon
US /ˈeʃ.ə.lɑːn/
UK /ˈeʃ.ə.lɒn/
Noun
1.
a level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society
Example:
•
He quickly rose through the various echelons of the company.
•
Only those in the upper echelons of society can afford such luxuries.
2.
a formation of troops, ships, or aircraft in which units are arranged in a step-like manner, with each unit slightly to the side and behind the one in front
Example:
•
The fighter jets flew in a perfect echelon formation.
•
The ships moved in a staggered echelon to cover more area.
Verb
to arrange in an echelon formation
Example:
•
The commander decided to echelon the troops for better defensive coverage.
•
The geese echeloned across the sky, heading south for winter.