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

In an exclusive teaser clip of the scene, Kenzie, a radio host, makes a breathtaking entrance in an off-the-shoulder and very sparkly dress that features a voluminous floor-length skirt and dazzling embellishments arranged in a chevron pattern. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Handmade velvet furniture from Italy sits on light chevron timber floors, and Dark Emperador marble decorates the bathrooms. —Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2025

Antique chevron wood flooring makes a statement in the suite, where a king-sized bed fits under an upholstered canopy, on top of which sits the lofted bathroom. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025

Give chevron a chance A chevron motif doesn’t have to be kitschy, proves designer Anne Hulcher Tollett. —Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025

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)