For people who serve in the military, the uniforms they wear tell a lot about their jobs.
For those who go into combat, the uniform is usually designed in muted colors that blend in with the environment.
When a member of the military wears a formal dress uniform, however, it may display stripes, pins, ribbons or epaulets (see definition and hear pronunciation below) that signify that person’s rank.
Now, epaulets are even used outside the military as fashion elements. You might see them on certain types of clothing, such as pea coats (also known as “pilot jackets”).
Cool word question of the day: Do you think epaulets are fashionable to wear?
Epaulet: An ornamental shoulder piece, often on a military uniform; a decorative strip on the shoulder of clothing.
Click here to hear a pronunciation of epaulet.