herringbone

1 of 2

noun

her·​ring·​bone ˈher-iŋ-ˌbōn How to pronounce herringbone (audio)
ˈhe-riŋ-
often attributive
1
: a pattern made up of rows of parallel lines which in any two adjacent rows slope in opposite directions
2
a
: a twilled fabric with a herringbone pattern
also : a suit made of this fabric
b
: a herringbone arrangement (as of materials or parts)
3
: a method in skiing of ascending a slope by herringboning

Illustration of herringbone

Illustration of herringbone
  • herringbone 1

herringbone

2 of 2

verb

herringboned; herringboning; herringbones

transitive verb

1
: to produce a herringbone pattern on
2
: to arrange in a herringbone pattern

intransitive verb

1
: to produce a herringbone pattern
2
: to ascend a slope by toeing out on skis and placing the weight on the inner side

Examples of herringbone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
To cushion their sinuous eucalyptus forms, the duo came up with their own spin on traditional Banarasi fabric: an archival herringbone motif overlaid with numerical zeros that nod to Brahmagupta, the Hindu mathematician who developed the concept of nothingness in 628 AD. Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2025 The living room is big and bright, with herringbone floors and high, beamed ceilings, which also extend over to the spacious bedroom. Kim Velsey, Curbed, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
Throw Blankets Brooklinen makes a variety of throw blankets, ranging from striped and solid 100% lambswool throw blankets to cable knit throw blankets to herringbone wool throw blankets. Terri Williams, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 The individual condos will have herringbone white-oak floors and large windows. Helena Madden, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2021 See all Example Sentences for herringbone 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1787, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of herringbone was in 1659

Dictionary Entries Near herringbone

Cite this Entry

“Herringbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herringbone. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

herringbone

noun
her·​ring·​bone
ˈher-iŋ-ˌbōn
1
: a pattern of rows of parallel lines with every other row slanting in the opposite direction
2
: a fabric with a herringbone pattern
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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