chevrons

Noun

chevron (plural chevrons)

1. A wide inverted V placed on a shield.
2. (broadly) Anything V-shaped similarly to the classic chevron shape.
   • Jejeune's canoe sent a chevron of silver ripples scurrying across the mirror-calm surface as it carved its path through the dark water.2019, Steve Burrows, A Dance of Cranes: A Birder Murder Mystery, Oneworld Publications
3. (collective) A group of birds in flight, when flying in a V formation, as in cranes, ducks, geese, gulls, pelicans and swans.
   • As I stood in amaze-ment, chevron after chevron after chevron of these massive birds crisscrossed the sky, practically blocking out the sun and creating an unparalleled cacophony of sight and sound.2013, Budd Titlow, Bird Brains, Globe Pequot, page 29

   Synonyms:

   wedge

4. (UK) One of the V-shaped markings on the surface of roads used to indicate minimum distances between vehicles.
   • I told you that in fact they were called chevrons and it was an exercise by the transport department to teach us to stay two chevrons behind the car in front.2009, Jamie Dunn, Truckie has a point, Sunshine Coast Daily Online, June 13, 2009.
5. A wedge-shaped sediment deposit observed on coastlines and continental interiors around the world.
6. Synonym of arrowhead (“horse jump obstacle”).

   Synonyms:

   arrowhead

See all 10 meanings of chevron