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

This one comes in 28 colors and packs some major fluff into its chevron pattern. —Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024

The seats are covered in high-quality leather with subtle chevron quilting, while the tan color of the seats and other interior elements contrast well with soft-touch black-plastic trim on the dash and the open-pour wood trim on the doors. —Doug Newcomb, PCMAG, 7 Oct. 2024

This chevron option, available in navy blue, light purple, and gray, features tassels on either side and can be placed at the end of a bed, over the back of an accent chair, or on a sofa. —Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2024

Robertson said that road signs in the area would not have been enough to warn the boys of the upcoming bend, although more signs and chevrons have since been put in place, per Wales Online. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024

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)