chevron

noun

chev·​ron ˈshev-rən 

: a figure, pattern, or object having the shape of a V or an inverted V: such as

a

: a heraldic charge consisting of two diagonal stripes meeting at an angle usually with the point up

b

: a sleeve badge that usually consists of one or more chevron-shaped stripes that indicates the wearer's rank and service (as in the armed forces)

Illustration of chevron

• 1 marine staff sergeant
• 2 air force staff sergeant
• 3 army staff sergeant

Did you know?

First appearing in English in the 14th century, chevron derives via Middle English and Anglo-French from the Vulgar Latin word caprio, meaning "rafter (probably due to its resemblance to two adjoining roof beams)." It is also related to the Latin noun caper, meaning "goat," again likely based on the resemblance of a V-shape to a goat’s horns. "Caper" is also an ancestor of "Capricorn," the tenth sign of the zodiac, represented by a goat. The resemblance of "chevron" to "chèvre," the French word for "goat" and our word for a kind of cheese that comes from goat’s milk, is no coincidence, as that word derives from "caper" as well.

Examples of chevron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hadid’s Valentino Garavani Panthea bag in black nappa leather with a chevron pattern and feline-head detail at the straps. —Laura Tortora, Glamour, 14 Aug. 2025

What do chevron mustaches, crowd-pleasing backflips and Moonbeam Ice Cream have in common? —Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025

With its half-and-half pinstripe design, chevrons on the shoulder and V-necked collar, the lightweight kit was launched on Danish television in February 1986. —Peter Carline, New York Times, 6 July 2025

The subtle chevron wood grain pattern adds some visual appeal, which is backed up by 100 mostly glowing reviews and a 4.8-star rating. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cheveron, from Anglo-French, rafter, chevron, from Vulgar Latin *caprion-, *caprio rafter; akin to Latin caper goat

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

chevron

noun

chev·​ron ˈshev-rən 

1

: a figure resembling a V or an upside-down V

2

: a sleeve badge indicating rank (as in the armed forces)