service stripe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical (military)
Quick answer
What does “service stripe” mean?
A narrow stripe or braid worn on a military or other uniform sleeve to indicate each completed period of service.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A narrow stripe or braid worn on a military or other uniform sleeve to indicate each completed period of service.
Any visible marker or symbol acknowledging long-term participation, loyalty, or tenure within an organization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily American term for the sleeve insignia. British English more commonly uses 'long service stripe' or specific terms like 'good conduct stripe'.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes experience, dedication, and institutional recognition.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to its formal use in U.S. military regulations.
Grammar
How to Use “service stripe” in a Sentence
The sergeant was awarded a service stripe.His uniform displayed three service stripes.Each service stripe represents five years.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “service stripe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was service-striped after his tenth year.
- The regiment service-stripes its members annually.
American English
- He got service-striped last week.
- The command service-stripes personnel every five years.
adjective
British English
- The service-stripe policy was updated.
- He reviewed the service-stripe eligibility criteria.
American English
- The service-stripe award ceremony is Friday.
- She is in charge of the service-stripe program.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically used in HR to refer to symbolic recognition for company tenure, e.g., 'a virtual service stripe for ten years with the firm.'
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical, sociological, or organizational studies discussing military symbolism or reward systems.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation outside of veterans or military personnel.
Technical
Precise term in U.S. military uniform regulations (e.g., AR 670-1) denoting a specific braid worn on the lower sleeve.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “service stripe”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “service stripe”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “service stripe”
- Using 'service strip' (incorrect).
- Using it to refer to a performance bonus (it's symbolic, not monetary).
- Applying it too broadly outside hierarchical, uniformed organizations.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, each service stripe represents three years of honorable service.
No. A service stripe indicates length of service, while rank stripes (like chevrons) indicate military rank or grade.
Not officially. The term is specific to military and similar uniformed services. Civilians may receive analogous 'service awards' or 'tenure pins.'
The British Armed Forces use 'Long Service and Good Conduct Medal' and similar awards, with specific insignia like 'good conduct badges', rather than the American-style sleeve stripe.
A narrow stripe or braid worn on a military or other uniform sleeve to indicate each completed period of service.
Service stripe is usually formal, technical (military) in register.
Service stripe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜːvɪs straɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɜːrvɪs straɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's got a lot of stripes on his sleeve (metaphor for extensive experience).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STRIPE on a uniform SLEEVE that SERVES as proof of SERVICE time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/EXPERIENCE IS A VISIBLE MARK (ON A PERSON).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'service stripe' used most precisely?