Illustration of epaulet
- E epaulet
epaulet
noun
ep·au·let
ˌe-pə-ˈlet 
ˈe-pə-ˌlet,
-lət
variants
or less commonly epaulette
: something that ornaments or protects the shoulder: such as
a
: an ornamental fringed shoulder pad formerly worn as part of a military uniform
b
: an ornamental strip or loop sewn across the shoulder of a dress or coat
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Epaulet Has French and Latin Roots
The epaulet gets its name from what it covers - the shoulder. It comes from the French word épaulette, the diminutive of "épaule," meaning shoulder. (Another accepted spelling of the English word - "epaulette" - mirrors the French.) "Épaule" itself, though, comes from the Latin word spatha, meaning "spoon" or "sword." This Latin word (which traces back to Greek spathē, meaning "blade of a sword" or "oar") is also the root of the word spade - as in the playing card suit. (The digging implement "spade" is also a relative though the connection is less direct.)
Examples of epaulet in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s finished with stylish epaulets, wide cuffs, a collared neckline, and bunched hem.
—
Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
The other was an official air force photo with a gold star denoting his new rank affixed to the shoulder epaulet.
—Joshua Goodman, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
His regimental coat was festooned with epaulets (fringed) and silver buttons (dazzling).
—Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
The jacket featured box-pleated patch pockets, shoulder epaulets, and a waist-clinching buckled belt and landed right at her hip.
—Fn Staff, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epaulet
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Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
The other was an official air force photo with a gold star denoting his new rank affixed to the shoulder epaulet.
—Joshua Goodman, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
His regimental coat was festooned with epaulets (fringed) and silver buttons (dazzling).
—Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
The jacket featured box-pleated patch pockets, shoulder epaulets, and a waist-clinching buckled belt and landed right at her hip.
—Fn Staff, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epaulet
Cite this Entry
“Epaulet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epaulet. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
epaulet
noun
ep·au·let
variants
also epaulette
ˌep-ə-ˈlet
ˈep-ə-ˌlet
: a shoulder ornament on a uniform especially of a military or naval officer
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