epaulette
Britishnoun
Etymology
Origin of epaulette
C18: from French épaulette, from épaule shoulder, from Latin spatula shoulder blade; see spatula
Explanation
An epaulette is a shoulder piece that's part of many military uniforms. It's a type of colorful decoration that sometimes signifies rank. If you look at a military uniform, there are many things you might see, such as stripes and medals. Another is epaulettes, which are ornamentations found on the shoulders. Epaulettes are usually colorful, and they often convey a higher rank. You probably wouldn't find epaulettes on a foot soldier, but you probably would on a general. Epaulettes will vary in size and color depending on the rank and branch of the military. Epaulette comes from a French word for shoulder.
Vocabulary lists containing epaulette
Lord of the Flies
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Power Suffix: -ette
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Patron Saints of Nothing
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The study, published in Biology Open, closely tracked how much energy epaulette sharks, commonly known as "walking sharks," used during their short reproductive cycle.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 21, 2026
An epaulette which includes a precious stone known as the Dresden White Diamond is still missing.
From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2022
Pieces still missing include an epaulette on which a precious stone known as the Dresden White Diamond was mounted.
From Reuters ● Dec. 17, 2022
The scientists, who conducted the work in connection with the New England Aquarium, studied epaulette sharks, which live off Australia and New Guinea.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 10, 2021
“Guide right!”—“Portez armes!” and facing around again, throwing their shining blades stiffly to belt and epaulette, and glancing askance from under their abundant plumes to the crowded balconies above.
From Dr. Sevier by George Washington Cable
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
