What does serge mean?
Serge is a sturdy fabric distinguished by its diagonal twill weave. Although the traditional version is woven from wool, cotton serge and mixtures are also made, and the material is valued for durability rather than softness or decorative sheen. It has long been especially associated with uniforms, including military and work clothing, so the word carries a practical, hard-wearing connotation. Serge also has a more specialized military use: in some contexts, particularly Canadian English, it serves as an alternative form of sergeant, the rank below sergeant major. The two meanings come from different historical sources, although their modern spellings became closely associated. Thus, in a tailoring or textile context, serge names the cloth itself; in a military context, it may name a particular non-commissioned rank. Outside those contexts, sergeant is the usual and more widely recognized term.
nounSerge is a durable twill fabric, traditionally made of wool but also of cotton or other fibres. In some military usage, especially in Canada, it is an alternative form of the rank of sergeant.
- A durable woven fabric with a diagonal twill, commonly made from wool or cotton.
- An alternative form of the military rank of sergeant, chiefly used in Canadian English.
"The uniform was made from a close-grained navy serge."
"The coat was cut from dark wool serge and tailored to a close fit."
"She was promoted to serge after completing her training."
The plural is uncommon but follows the normal rule by adding -s; it can refer to lengths or types of fabric and, in the military sense, to holders of the rank.
"The shopkeeper displayed serges in navy, charcoal, and olive."
A bolt of serge can clothe a soldier, and in Canadian English the word can also name the soldier's rank.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does serge come from?
The fabric word entered English in the 16th century from French serge, a cloth name derived from Medieval Latin serica, meaning silk fabric; this ultimately relates to Greek sēricos, referring to silk and to the Chinese people renowned for producing it. The military word entered English through French sergent, from a Latin word based on servire, 'to serve,' and its spelling was later influenced by the fabric term.
How serge is actually used
As a fabric term, serge is common in British English and is also understood in North American English. The rank sense is chiefly associated with Canadian usage; elsewhere, sergeant is normally preferred.
Easily confused with serge
Serge ends with the sound /dʒ/, whereas surge ends with /dʒ/ but has a different vowel and may also refer to a sudden increase or rapid movement.
Sarge is an informal or alternative spelling associated especially with the military rank, while serge is also a standard term for a twill fabric.