chevron

noun

chev·​ron ˈshev-rən How to pronounce chevron (audio)
: 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

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 dazzling get-up featured a chevron pattern of different metallic shades. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024 The former is in a bold chevron print, paying homage to the OG Barbie doll in a black and white vintage swimsuit. Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Sep. 2024 The preparation of 35 bows was next; they were shaped and ironed one by one before they were sewn at the specified points along the chevron pattern created by the ribbons. Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024 Walz wore the chevrons and performed the duties of a command sergeant major and is entitled to refer to himself as such. Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chevron 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chevron.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chevron was in the 14th century

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near chevron

Cite this Entry

“Chevron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chevron. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

chevron

noun
chev·​ron ˈshev-rən How to pronounce chevron (audio)
1
: a figure resembling a V or an upside-down V
2
: a sleeve badge indicating rank (as in the armed forces)

More from Merriam-Webster on chevron

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!