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
The grand dining room, which sports double-height ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, has been done up in red velvet, with herringbone floors and textured walls hand-brushed with gold leaf. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024 The oak parquet laid in a herringbone pattern (from Chêne de l’Est) is paired with Strong White paint on the walls and All White on the ceiling (Farrow & Ball). Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
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 Nov. 2024.

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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