chevron

noun

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

Kors had both, in the form of colorful boas and an intarsia chevron coat. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, "The Top 10 Shows of New York Fashion Week Fall 2019," 14 Feb. 2019 For his appearance, Ali donned Dzojchen’s single-breasted suit in black silk with chevron print overlay and a matching button-up underneath. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "The Wrap Suit? It’s a Thing—And Mahershala Ali Has It Down," 11 Jan. 2019 Pair the leggings with a tank for your yoga class, and then slip on the chevron pullover for brunch afterward. — SELF, "Our Favorite Items From the SELF x Beyond Yoga Collaboration," 28 Nov. 2018 The suits featured chevron prints in orange-and-green and yellow-and-gray, a bright watercolor-esque pattern, and some seriously retro vibes. — Avery Matera, Teen Vogue, "BTS Wore Coordinated Printed Suits on Good Morning America," 26 Sep. 2018 The yellow-brick Harborview Medical Center, decorated in places with white chevrons and pocked with dollhouse windows, is a gorgeous building, an early-twentieth-century sanitarium overlooking Seattle’s infinite harbor. — Jacqueline Detwiler, Popular Mechanics, "The Heroes of Science Who Are Unlocking the Brain," 3 Oct. 2018 And an LV City Steamer bag, with chevron leather and suede panels that picked up on the dress's palette, was the perfect punctuation. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Brigitte Macron Wears (What Else?) Louis Vuitton for the NATO Spouse Summit," 12 July 2018 Over cocktails, guests lingered over the rainbow chevron motifs and gossiped long into the night. — Vogue, "It Brits Celebrated Mrs. Alice x Misela at Annabel’s," 4 July 2018 Queen Letizia, a bonafide royal style icon, has sported a stunning wardrobe throughout her whole U.S. tour, including a polka dot dress at the San Antonio Museum of Art and a maroon chevron dress at the San José Mission. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain Meet the Trumps at the White House," 19 June 2018

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.