A chevron is a V-shaped pattern or symbol, like an upside-down letter V (∧) or a right-side-up V (∨). You've probably seen chevrons without realizing they had a name: they appear on military uniforms to show rank, on road signs pointing which way to go, and in decorative patterns on clothing, wallpaper, and floors.

In the military, chevrons sewn onto a soldier's sleeve indicate their rank. A sergeant might wear three chevrons, while a corporal wears two. The more chevrons, the higher the rank. This system has been used for centuries because the simple V-shape is easy to recognize at a distance.

Chevron patterns appear throughout design because they create a sense of movement and direction. A series of chevrons can point forward like arrows, making them useful on signs that guide traffic or mark hazards. In fashion and interior design, repeating chevrons create zigzag patterns that catch the eye and add energy to a space.