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

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

Outside, a wall was decorated with bright yellow tape in a chevron pattern, tape that NASA uses to wrap instruments that blast off to locales far beyond Earth. —Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2025

Wilkerson then took over and trimmed it down to a traditional chevron mustache, before eventually whittling his facial hair completely away for a clean-shaven look. —Gil MacIas, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025

Today, Team Vitality unveiled its 2025 Pro Jersey, created in partnership with the Danish sportswear company, offering a design that combines the organization’s signature colors and identity with Hummel’s enduring chevron. —Matt Gardner, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

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)