Noun a level of command, authority, or rank a level of worthiness, achievement, or reputation Military. a formation of troops, ships, airplanes, etc., in which groups of soldiers or individual vehicles or craft are arranged in parallel lines, either with each line extending to the right of the one in front (right echelon ) or with each line extending to the left of the one in front (left echelon ), so that the whole presents the appearance of steps.