chevron

noun chev·ron \ ˈshev-rən \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

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)

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Recent Examples of chevron from the Web

The gold chevron reflected the Duchess of Cambridge's mother, Carole Middleton, whose maiden name is Goldsmith.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "How Meghan Markle's Coat of Arms Compares to the Middletons'," 25 May 2018
Clarke’s pristine white shoes were the perfect punctuation to her swingy rainbow skirt, finished with a chevron stripe.

— maria ward, Vogue, "Did Emilia Clarke Just Make This Throwback Shoe Chic Again?," 21 May 2018
Trendy pieces Trends are ephemeral, so please don't spend lots of money on a chevron armchair or a total copper kitchen revamp.

— jamie wiebe, House Beautiful, "Five Home Goods To Splurge On (And Five Places To Save)," 5 Nov. 2014
Current World Cup holders Germany pay homage to their famous 1990 away shirt with a emerald green number, with chevron type graphics running all over to give off a retro vibe.

— SI.com, "PHOTOS: adidas Launch Tasty New Away Kits for Multiple Nations at This Summer's World Cup," 20 Mar. 2018
In the custom set are a trench coat and combat trousers teamed with wildlife prints as well as chevron tracksuits.

— jake woolf, GQ, "Justin Timberlake's Man of the Woods Tour Trades Suits and Ties for Custom Designer Everything," 17 Mar. 2018
The bold color combo of Tory Sport’s performance chevron sweater harks back to ski looks of decades past, $278.

— sari anne tuschman, latimes.com, "These medal-worthy sweaters will have you dreaming about Olympic gold this season," 15 Feb. 2018
True, Pinning isn't reality (for better or worse; chevron would be everywhere).

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "Too Faced's Better Than Sex Is Pinterest's Most Popular Mascara," 11 Jan. 2018
Walker Zanger's marble Helsinki tiles echo the chevron pattern in the bedroom and set off the strong, sculptural shape of Wetstyle's Ove tub.

— the editors at house beautiful, House Beautiful, "Top Pin of the Day: A Sumptuous Bathroom," 27 Nov. 2013

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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CHEVRON Defined for English Language Learners

chevron

noun

Definition of chevron for English Language Learners

: a shape, pattern, or object in the form of a V or an upside-down V
: 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