elevation

noun

el·​e·​va·​tion ˌe-lə-ˈvā-shən 

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.

Synonyms

• advancement
• ascent
• creation
• preference
• preferment
• promotion
• rise
• upgrade
• upgrading

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

Rice, a 2021 third-round pick by the Titans, and Wilcox, a league veteran, have also played two games with the Patriots this season as practice squad elevations. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2025

Electric power also comes with unique advantages at high elevation. —Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 30 Dec. 2024

The hike is easy with slight elevation changes through Compton Gardens and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. —Flip Putthoff, arkansasonline.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Nestled in a roughly square-mile valley at high elevation, Craigtown — officially part of Fairview — had rarely, if ever, worried about natural disasters. —Eduardo Medina, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing elevation

• angle of elevation

Kids Definition

elevation

noun

el·​e·​va·​tion ˌel-ə-ˈvā-shən 

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 

1

: a swelling especially on the skin

2

: a usually abnormal increase (as in degree or amount)