chevron

noun

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

Just ask Demi Lovato, who recently showed off her extra-short nails, which featured a neon green chevron pattern (which just happened to match her new green hair), on Instagram. — Neha Prakash, Allure, "Gel Manicures on Short Nails Are the Most Popular Nail Trend for Fall," 16 Sep. 2019 At a dinner in Beverly Hills last night, Schafer sported a mock neck Missoni dress with a deep red and black chevron pattern. — Sophie Kemp, Vogue, "Hunter Schafer Wears Missoni and Margiela With a Down-to-Earth Twist," 14 Aug. 2019 The brick house boasts cypress paneling and woodwork, most notably on the ceilings where boards meet at chevron-like angles. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Perfectly preserved Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian near NYC asks $1.2M," 18 June 2019 The Vickie credenza, available at Lulu & Georgia, is a 3-door sideboard with 3D chevron detailing on the doors and gold legs. — Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, "This Stunning Credenza Might Make You Blush," 16 Nov. 2018 Kors had both, in the form of colorful boas and an intarsia chevron coat. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, "The Top 10 Shows of New York Fashion Week Fall 2019," 14 Feb. 2019 For his appearance, Ali donned Dzojchen’s single-breasted suit in black silk with chevron print overlay and a matching button-up underneath. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "The Wrap Suit? It’s a Thing—And Mahershala Ali Has It Down," 11 Jan. 2019 Pair the leggings with a tank for your yoga class, and then slip on the chevron pullover for brunch afterward. — SELF, "Our Favorite Items From the SELF x Beyond Yoga Collaboration," 28 Nov. 2018 The suits featured chevron prints in orange-and-green and yellow-and-gray, a bright watercolor-esque pattern, and some seriously retro vibes. — Avery Matera, Teen Vogue, "BTS Wore Coordinated Printed Suits on Good Morning America," 26 Sep. 2018

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.