A level

American  

[ey lev-uhl] / ˈeɪ ˌlɛv əl /

noun

British.

1. a public examination requiring advanced knowledge in a subject and taken at the end of secondary school, usually two years after O level.

2. a pass in this examination.

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A level British  

noun

1. 1. a public examination in a subject taken for the General Certificate of Education ( GCE ), usually at the age of 17–18

   2. the course leading to this examination

   3. ( as modifier )

      A-level maths

2. a pass in a particular subject at A level

   she has three A levels

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Etymology

Origin of A level

1950–55; A(dvanced) level

Compare meaning

How does a-level compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• O level vs. A level

Example Sentences

A level two volcano is one where there is clearly observable increased volcanic activity and there is the threat of an eruption, and the public is prohibited from certain areas.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

A level above 50 signals growth in private sector business activity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

A level shift offers a dramatic experience when you step into the ADU, as the floor drops below to the art studio and the ceiling goes up, creating a sense of spaciousness.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2025

A level of 82 is definitely on the high side, so it is smart of you to cut back a bit on your supplement.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2023

And I started feeling a pain in my chest like I did on the underground because I thought I wasn’t going to be able to go back to Swindon and take my A level.

From "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon