chevron

noun

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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 The chevron-like pattern on the dial was created using three different dial-making techniques: lacquer, laser and an electroplating/galvanic treatment. — Carol Besler, Robb Report, "How WWI Battleships Inspired Ulysse Nardin’s Eye-Popping New Freak X Razzle Dazzle Watch," 5 May 2021 Popping up on mirrors, area rugs, and tabletop items like candlesticks and vases, this quirky shape is poised to become the chevron of this decade. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, "Squiggly Decor Is the Funky Design Trend That Will Instantly Cheer Up Your Home," 31 Mar. 2021 The chevron soles keep you steady on wet sidewalks, and a cooling inner liner wicks away moisture that may collect inside. — Outdoor Life, "Best rain boots for women: Keep your feet dry in soggy conditions," 25 Jan. 2021 Turn the branch upside down over a bowl so that the needles make a chevron shape. — Lindsay Campbell, Smithsonian Magazine, "You Can Eat Your Christmas Tree. Here’s How to Do It.," 30 Dec. 2020 Outside, lawns and landscaping add some color to the private backyard, which is anchored by a swimming pool vaguely shaped like a chevron. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, "Palm Springs’ House of Tomorrow, an Elvis Presley hideaway, sells for $2.6 million," 17 Dec. 2020 Check out this high-quality mask and dog bandana set, which is available in sweet print options like peaches and a dark green chevron. — Elizabeth Wallace, CNN Underscored, "From stylish to silly: Face masks for every personality," 5 Nov. 2020 So named for a white chevron visible on both wings, whitewings are classy-looking birds with dark lines on their cheeks and crimson eyes framed in baby blue. — Matt Williams, Dallas News, "Dove hunting season preview: Hunters will go far afield in quest for popular game bird," 29 Aug. 2020 Named for a white chevron visible on both wings, whitewings are birds with dark lines on their cheeks and crimson eyes framed in baby blue. — Matt Williams, ExpressNews.com, "In the age of COVID-19, dove hunting a respite," 20 Aug. 2020

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.