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.

---

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

---

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

The All Blacks' win sees them jump up to second in Pool A, level on points with Italy who they now have a superior head-to-head record over.

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2023

A level below the surface, he, much like Adams, was preoccupied with the long shadow of George Washington.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis