English Reference
noun · verb

echo

n. · v.
US /ˈɛkoʊ/ UK /ˈɛkəʊ/ echo UK spelling echoed, echoes, echos

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a sound that you hear again because it bounces off a surface like a wall or a mountain.

    n.the repetition of a sound caused by the reflection of sound waves from a surface back to the listener.

    Simple

    We shouted into the deep canyon and waited for the echo to return.

    In context

    The acoustic design of the cathedral was so precise that even a faint whisper produced a clear echo against the marble walls.

    reverberationresonance
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.something that reminds you of an earlier event or a similar thing.

    n.a detail or characteristic that is suggestive of or reminiscent of something else.

    Simple

    The new building has echoes of the traditional style used in this city.

    In context

    The journalist noted several echoes of the 1930s economic crisis in the current market volatility.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced InformalTechnical Medicine

    n.a short name for a medical test that uses sound to look at your heart.

    n.a colloquial clipping for an echocardiogram or echocardiography.

    Simple

    The doctor ordered an echo to check how well my heart valves were working.

    In context

    The cardiologist reviewed the results of the stress echo to determine if the patient required surgical intervention.

    ultrasoundechocardiogram
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.when a sound hits a surface and is heard again.

    v.to be repeated or to reverberate after reflecting off a surface.

    Simple

    Their footsteps echoed loudly in the empty hallway.

    In context

    The sound of the gavel echoed through the silent courtroom, signaling the end of the long trial.

    reverberateresound
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to say the same thing as someone else because you agree with them.

    v.to repeat or imitate the words, thoughts, or opinions of another person, often to express agreement.

    Simple

    The minister's speech echoed the concerns of many local people.

    In context

    The CEO's recent comments echo the sentiments expressed by the board of directors during last month's annual meeting.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    v.to show a message or command on a computer screen.

    v.to send a string of characters to the standard output device, typically the command-line interface.

    Simple

    You can use a simple command to echo the text to the terminal.

    In context

    The script was designed to echo each step of the installation process to the log file for troubleshooting purposes.

Usage echo chambers

There are echoes of both Graham Greene and Patricia Highsmith here, but Osborne’s sense of place and ability create an undercurrent of menace all his own.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

And it echoes something sleep historians have long noted: in pre-industrial times before artificial lighting, humans often slept in two blocks.

BBC News· 19 Jul 2026

From Ancient Greek Ἠχώ (Ēkhṓ, “sound”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek Ἠχώ
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated