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

Cleaning parquet flooring—a type of wooden floor made of small wood inlays arranged in geometric patterns like herringbone, chevron, or basket weave—is a particularly sensitive task. —Nathalie Nietzsche-Knappe, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2026

According to the news release, there is a design gradient on the livery that’s a repeat of a Cadillac chevron, giving a nod to General Motors’ co-ownership and Cadillac’s symbol. —Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Sweet scallops could be today's version of chevron. —Heather Bien, The Spruce, 4 Feb. 2026

Their different iterations were a fresh addition to the brand’s coats and jackets in soft vicuña, down jackets in wool and cashmere flannels rendered in patterns such as houndstooth, Prince of Wales checks and chevron. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

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)