shoulder board

noun

, U.S. Navy.

1. one of a pair of narrow, stiff, cloth patches bearing an insignia of rank and worn on the shoulders by a commissioned officer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoulder board¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

A pair of Midshipman Barber’s shoulder boards are on display in Ms. Harris’s ceremonial office, according to a senior aide to the vice president.

From New York Times

“There are almost two million security officials in Russia and they all want new stars on their shoulder boards.”

From New York Times

She wore a black military sweater with silver eagles on the shoulder boards—she had recently made full colonel.

From Literature

Her mom, Janet, an Academy graduate, was a Coast Guard captain and will pin on Marina’s shoulder boards today.

From Time

“I said, ‘I need to order a four-star women’s shoulder board,’ and there’s this silence,” Admiral Howard recalled.

From New York Times