WordGarden.ioepaulet
C2Pronunciation
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Meanings
Noun
a decorative shoulder piece on a uniform or garment
a contrasting shoulder patch or marking on a bird
Beyond the definition
Imagine a soldier standing tall in uniform. On the shoulders, you may see stiff straps, fringed pieces, or other decorative parts. Those are epaulets. They were once useful for helping keep straps in place, but today they are mostly known as parts of military or formal uniforms that show rank or add a formal look. The word is also used in nature for a bird's shoulder marking, especially a bright patch that stands out like a small shoulder badge.
An epaulet (pronounced ep-uh-LET) is a decorative shoulder ornament worn on uniforms, most famously associated with military and official attire. Historically, epaulets were functional loops or pads used to prevent sword straps or musket slings from slipping off the shoulder. Think of them as early versions of shoulder padding!
Over time, they evolved into symbols of rank and status. The size, color, and ornamentation of an epaulet would indicate a soldier's position within the military hierarchy—a general's epaulets would be far more elaborate than those of a private. Today, while still used on some uniforms for practical purposes (like holding straps), their primary function is decorative and indicative of authority.
The word itself comes from the French épaulette, meaning "little shoulder." While it is most commonly linked to military dress, "epaulet" is also used in biology. There, it can refer to a colored patch or a set of feathers on a bird's shoulder that looks like a small shoulder ornament.
So, whether it is adorning the shoulders of a commander or helping you identify a bird in the wild, an epaulet is more than just a shoulder piece; it carries a sense of history, formality, and visual distinction.
Examples
- 1
Uniforms
The officer's uniform had gold epaulets on the shoulders.
- 2
Missing detail
One epaulet was missing, so the jacket looked unfinished.
- 3
Fashion design
The designer added epaulets to the coat to give it a military style.
See also
Similar
- shoulder ornament
- shoulder piece
Shades of meaning
- shoulder board
Contrast
- plain shoulder seam
Used with (collocations)
- military epaulets
- gold epaulets
- epaulets on a uniform
Word family
Explore
- uniform trim
- rank insignia
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- epauletnoun
Forms
- epauletspluralnoun