chevron

chev·ron | \ ˈshev-rən

Definition of chevron

: 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)

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about chevron

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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 For the flooring, oak planks were cut and laid in a chevron pattern. — Kit Selzer, Better Homes & Gardens, "Relaxing Shades of Blue Update This 1916 Home for an Atlanta Restaurant Duo," 24 Apr. 2020 There was also a picture of a sleeve chevron of the air assault brigade of the 165th battalion of the Russian Naval Infantry. — Washington Post, "Arrival of Russian mercenaries adds deadlier firepower, modern tactics to Libya’s civil war," 6 Nov. 2019 There are always patterns that come and go — florals, ikats and paisleys have all had their time in the spotlight (and then some), but the current love affair with chevron has to end. — Elizabeth Mayhew, Washington Post, "6 decorating trends that need to die," 31 Dec. 2019 Off the kitchen, Quinn was able to play with more color, unifying the space with the chevron that's echoed in the main space. — Carisha Swanson, House Beautiful, "The Kitchen and Breakfast Room That Make You Look Forward to Cooking," 14 Oct. 2019 Key Art Deco Characteristics Motifs: Flattened and stylized geometric motifs like fans and flowers; abstract patterns like chevron and sunbursts; jagged lines(a precursor to the Brutalist styles on the horizon). — Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, "The Fascinating History of Art Deco Design," 16 Mar. 2020 Choose from gray, navy blue, or a cool gray chevron. — Popular Science, "The best reusable bags for toting your groceries," 8 Dec. 2019 At both sites, huge curbstones -- carved with spirals, crosshatches, bull's-eyes, and chevrons -- add to the mystery. — Rick Steves, chicagotribune.com, "Europe’s dead still speak to the living," 25 Oct. 2019 The master bathroom features marble chevron floors, shower, soaking tub and a double sink vanity with quartz counters. — chicagotribune.com, "Near North unit with private elevator: $1.4M," 27 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chevron.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.