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 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 2 apprenticeship is considered the equivalent of a GCSE, while 6 and 7 are considered equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree.

From BBC • May 26, 2025

A level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notice was issued for communities from Gray Road east to Clear Lake.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2023

No one has ever taken an A level at our school before, and the headmistress, Mrs. Gascoyne, didn’t want me to take it at first.

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