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

The pop star wore a scant, sheer maxi dress with a beaded fringe in a chevron pattern adding some movement. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2023

This oak nightstand with an inlaid chevron pattern has three spacious drawers and is 31.5 inches tall. —Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 17 Aug. 2023

The polished aluminum 22-inch wheels also include a touch of purple paint, and the carbon fiber lower section of the body is finished in a unique chevron pattern with an amethyst tint. —Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 25 Aug. 2023

This time, the human rights lawyer strolled through the streets of Italy in the perfect beach day outfit: a pair of green and turquoise Missoni shorts in the brand's distinctive chevron, and an aqua long-sleeve with a sheer lace panel across her décolletage and forearms. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Aug. 2023

The two-piece outfit, in Missoni’s signature knit, is reminiscent of an old-school leisure suit with a matching orange-and-black chevron print, loose-fitting trousers, and wide lapels on the button-up cardigan which Richie wore open over a simple black tank top. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2023

And the doll’s pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons, a symbol that unites the Down syndrome community, represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. —Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 25 Apr. 2023

At the end of the clip, she's seen twirling around in a halter-neck bodycon dress with a blue chevron pattern, gold earrings and white shoes, and holding a fuchsia purse, before giving the camera a kiss. —Tracey Harrington McCoy, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2023

There are also plenty of deals for outdoor living, like the Walker Outdoor Patio Chairs that are made of acacia wood and feature a chevron design. —Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 12 July 2023

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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)