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

Tall windows flood the spacious room with natural light, highlighting its wooden chevron floors and decorative lighting. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025

The crash site, where I-85 transitions into I-77, has chevrons, flashing lights, and signs warning people to slow down because tractor-trailers often overturn at that ramp, Goodwin said. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2025

Try the trend for yourself with this structural white version, which is accented with tonal chevron stitching and finished with an adjustable gold chain-link strap. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Crafted almost entirely from wool (the label is committed to the use of natural fibers), We Norwegians offers merino wool and blended leggings, turtlenecks, and more in simple but sophisticated colorways and patterns–a stripe here, a chevron there. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 13 Nov. 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)