Definition

Noun: A shoulder patch is a piece of cloth or embroidered fabric worn on the shoulder of a military uniform. Its primary function is to display the wearer's rank, unit, or other identifying information.

Usage

A shoulder patch is a specific type of insignia attached to the shoulder area of a uniform. It is a standard element in many military organizations for visual identification.

Examples

• The new recruits were each issued a uniform with a distinctive shoulder patch denoting their brigade.
• The general's shoulder patch featured a single gold star, clearly indicating his high rank.
• Collecting historical military shoulder patches is a popular hobby for some enthusiasts.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While primarily literal, "shoulder patch" can be used metonymically to refer to the authority or identity it represents.
  • He respected the shoulder patch, not just the man wearing it.

Variants and Related Words

• Patch (n): A more general term for a piece of material used to cover a hole or as an ornament or insignia. A shoulder patch is a specific type of patch.
• Insignia (n): A broader category of badges or emblems indicating rank, membership, or honor. A shoulder patch is a form of insignia.
• Epaulet (n): A type of ornamental shoulder piece, often fringed, used on military uniforms to indicate rank. Unlike a flat shoulder patch, an epaulet is often a structured part of the uniform's design.

Synonyms

• Shoulder insignia
• Unit patch
• Rank patch

Antonyms

• There is no direct antonym, as it is a specific object. Contextual opposites could be plain shoulder or unadorned uniform.

Related Phrases

• To wear a patch: To be a member of a specific group or unit.
  • He was proud to wear the patch of the 101st Airborne.
• Patch identification: The process of recognizing a unit or rank by its shoulder patch.

Noun

1. patch worn on the shoulder of a military uniform to indicate rank