shoulder patch

American  

noun

1. a cloth emblem worn on the upper part of a sleeve of a uniform typically as identification of the organization to which the wearer is assigned.

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shoulder patch British  

noun

1. Also called: shoulder flash.  military an emblem worn high on the arm as an insignia

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Etymology

Origin of shoulder patch

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

As a private first class serving in the 603rd Camouflage Engineer Battalion, he created fake shoulder patches that his fellow soldiers wore on their uniforms to impersonate different elements of an infantry division.

From New York Times

The Weagle was introduced as a shoulder patch when the Capitals underwent a redesign and returned to the franchise’s original red, white and blue color scheme before the 2007-08 season.

From Washington Post

A dysfunctional procurement system that takes years just to acquire shoulder patches.

From New York Times

The lettering above the skull on their shoulder patches read: “Ukraine or death.”

From New York Times

Members of the 116th Brigade wore a shoulder patch depicting Jackson mounted on a horse for nearly 30 years, until it adopted a divisional patch in 2007.

From Washington Post