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Definition of chevron
: a figure, pattern, or object having the shape of a V or an inverted V: such asa : a heraldic charge consisting of two diagonal stripes meeting at an angle usually with the point upb : 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)
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
chevron was our Word of the Day on 03/30/2010. Hear the podcast!
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Recent Examples of chevron from the Web
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There was one colorful chevron dress, a vibrant red coat, and splashes of brightly colored tulle, although most of the sheer gowns were in dusty colors.
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About a half-dozen of Bengston's chevron works are included in the show, planting the symbol in the midst of a row of swaths of blue paint, an oblong black sunburst, a monochromatic arrangement of leaves.
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The regal emblem, used at President Trump’s golf courses across the United States, sports three lions and two chevrons on a shield, below a gloved hand gripping an arrow.
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Only the lining of the hood indicated the university — for Columbia, light blue with a white chevron.
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With three horses in the race owned by Calumet Farm, whose jockeys will all wear the same black silks with gold chevrons on the back, an already pressure-packed call for Collmus becomes much more complicated.
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A case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court focuses on whether a company can copyright the chevrons, zigzags and stripes on cheerleading uniforms.
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For starters, who knew there was a chevron pattern on the kitchen range hood?
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.
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.
Illustration of chevron
Origin and Etymology of chevron
Middle English cheveron, from Anglo-French, rafter, chevron, from Vulgar Latin *caprion-, *caprio rafter; akin to Latin caper goat
CHEVRON Defined for English Language Learners
chevron
playDefinition of chevron for English Language Learners
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: a shape, pattern, or object in the form of a V or an upside-down V
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: a piece of cloth that is shaped like a V and that is worn on the sleeve of a military or police uniform to show a person's rank
CHEVRON Defined for Kids
chevron
playDefinition of chevron for Students
: a sleeve badge of one or more bars or stripes usually in the shape of an upside-down V indicating the wearer's rank (as in the armed forces)
Learn More about chevron
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Spanish Central: Translation of chevron Nglish: Translation of chevron for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chevron
Seen and Heard
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