What does epaulet mean?
An epaulet is an ornamental shoulder piece worn on clothing, best known from military and naval dress uniforms where it signals rank and authority through color, braid, or insignia. Typically consisting of a stiffened pad or strap fastened near the collar, it may be plain or fringed with gold or silver bullion. Beyond the armed forces, epaulets appear on police, airline pilot, and firefighter attire, and they persist as a purely decorative detail on civilian coats, trench coats, and dresses. The word entered English from French épaulette, a diminutive of épaule meaning "shoulder." Two spellings — "epaulet" and "epaulette" — are both standard, with regional preferences varying between American and British English. Evoking ceremony, hierarchy, and tradition, the term is most often encountered in descriptions of formal wear, historical accounts, and fashion writing rather than everyday conversation.
nounAn ornamental shoulder strap or pad on a garment, especially a military or naval uniform, often bearing rank insignia.
- An ornamental shoulder ornament on a military, naval, or police uniform, typically indicating rank.
- A decorative shoulder pad or strap on civilian clothing such as coats, shirts, or dresses.
"The general's gold epaulets gleamed as he reviewed the troops."
"The admiral's epaulets were heavy with golden fringe."
"She wore a trench coat with modest epaulets across each shoulder."
Because epaulets are worn in pairs, the plural is very frequently used even when discussing a single garment's shoulders.
"The uniform featured gleaming silver epaulets on each shoulder."
The word literally means "little shoulder" in French — because that's exactly where it sits.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epaulet
Epaulet derives from the French épaulette, a diminutive formed from épaule, meaning "shoulder," which traces back to Latin spatula via Old French espalle. It entered English during the late 18th century as elaborate military uniforms came into fashion across Europe. Its cognates include the French épaule itself and related Romance words for shoulder, all ultimately descending from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How epaulet is actually used
Both "epaulet" and "epaulette" are accepted spellings; "epaulette" tends to be favored in British English while "epaulet" is common in American English. The word is most at home in formal, historical, or fashion contexts describing uniforms and outerwear.
Easily confused with epaulet
"Epaulette" is the more common variant spelling, especially in British English, while "epaulet" is a standard American spelling of the same word; both refer to the same shoulder ornament.