elevation

noun

el·​e·​va·​tion ˌe-lə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce elevation (audio)
1
: the height to which something is elevated: such as
a
: the angular distance of something (such as a celestial object) above the horizon
b
: the degree to which a gun is aimed above the horizon
c
: the height above the level of the sea : altitude
2
: a dancer's or an athlete's leap and seeming suspension in the air
also : the ability to achieve an elevation
3
: an act or instance of elevating
4
: something that is elevated: such as
a
: an elevated place
b
: a swelling especially on the skin
5
: the quality or state of being elevated
6
: a geometrical drawing that depicts one vertical plane of an object or structure

Did you know?

When you're hiking, you may be interested in knowing the highest elevation you'll be reaching. Psychologists use the term "mood elevation" to mean improvement in a patient's depression, and some leg ailments require elevation of the limb, usually so that it's higher than the heart for part of each day. Elevation can also mean "promotion;" thus, a vice president may be elevated to president, or a captain may be elevated to admiral.

Choose the Right Synonym for elevation

height, altitude, elevation mean vertical distance either between the top and bottom of something or between a base and something above it.

height refers to something measured vertically whether high or low.

a wall two meters in height

altitude and elevation apply to height as measured by angular measurement or atmospheric pressure; altitude is preferable when referring to vertical distance above the surface of the earth or above sea level; elevation is used especially in reference to vertical height on land.

fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters
Denver is a city with a high elevation

Examples of elevation in a Sentence

a plant species found only at higher elevations We charted the elevations in her temperature.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Melling conveys the paradoxical elevation of Colin’s low self-esteem through the subservient relationship with an appealing pluckiness. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 In the cultural landscape of midcentury America, few transformations were as subtly seismic as the slow, sometimes reluctant, elevation of country music into the national consciousness. Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025 Bene was among those in Georgia who were dismayed by Beach’s elevation to the Treasury position. Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 13 May 2025 The elevation last week of Leo, who was born Robert Francis Prevost and grew up in Chicago, has inspired merchandise makers across the U.S. James Barron, New York Times, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for elevation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elevation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elevation. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

elevation

noun
el·​e·​va·​tion ˌel-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce elevation (audio)
1
a
: the height to which something is raised
b
: the height above sea level : altitude
2
: an act or instance of elevating
3
: an elevated place (as a hill)
4
: the quality or state of being elevated

Medical Definition

elevation

noun
el·​e·​va·​tion ˌel-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce elevation (audio)
1
: a swelling especially on the skin
2
: a usually abnormal increase (as in degree or amount)

More from Merriam-Webster on elevation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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