chevron

noun

chev·​ron ˈshev-rən How to pronounce chevron (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The four included chairs have a fun chevron pattern along the back, and the bench offers flexible seating for up to three people. Shea Simmons, People.com, 5 Oct. 2024 Explore their never-ending selection at discount prices, including these textured chevron options (pictured below). Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2024 The dazzling get-up featured a chevron pattern of different metallic shades. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chevron 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chevron was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near chevron

Cite this Entry

“Chevron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chevron. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

chevron

noun
chev·​ron ˈshev-rən How to pronounce chevron (audio)
1
: a figure resembling a V or an upside-down V
2
: a sleeve badge indicating rank (as in the armed forces)

More from Merriam-Webster on chevron

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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