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

Before joining the Royal Family, Kate Middleton was granted her own lozenge, featuring three acorns (representing her and her two siblings) bisected by a gold chevron (for her mother’s maiden name, Goldsmith). —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

The range of design motifs, including chevron stripes, checkerboard patterns, and striking two-tone color combos, elevates this style well above the ordinary. —Sarah Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2026

Those vibrant, almost optical-illusion-like chevrons and patterns that Missoni is known for come from their innovative approach to weaving techniques, adapting and optimizing the Caperdoni loom and Raschel knitting in order to weave over 200 colors into one textile. —Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 22 May 2026

Grey walls are softened with light-wood chevron floors, and the interiors play with colors and textures. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026

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)