rating badge

noun

, U.S. Navy.

1. a badge that indicates the rank and specialty of a petty officer: worn on the upper left sleeve.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rating badge¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

First, however, he procured his new rating badge and, after consulting with a petty officer, sewed it on his sleeve.

From Project Gutenberg

He'd been wearing his first-class rating badge a month now, and before his enlistment was out he intended to be a chief petty officer; which was why he was working after-hours.

From Project Gutenberg

For you"—he laid a forefinger against the big rating badge on his coat sleeve—"that I've been shipmates with for fifteen years—off and on—I reckon will be detached.

From Project Gutenberg