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.
Each year that Xi fails to identify and groom a successor will increase the possibility of more chaotic paths for the party and for China, such as the elevation of a weak successor who falls victim to a power struggle. Tyler Jost, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2025 The glider crashed at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, firefighters said. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2025 The key factor here is Burton, who didn’t crack the initial 53-man roster in 2024 but ended up playing in all 17 games with elevations from the practice squad. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025 With a price tag of over 170 billion dollars, the dam plans to utilize Tibet’s high elevation and geography to generate consistent, massive water flows, ultimately yielding 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 29 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elevation. Accessed 22 Aug. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!