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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Photo: Brown Harris Stevens Another co-op with a working fireplace, this prewar unit has preserved a lot of nice details, such as the herringbone floors and beamed ceilings. Clio Chang, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2024 This two-bedroom, multilevel, top-floor apartment features herringbone walnut floors, arched windows, 18-foot domed ceilings, floating stairs, chef's kitchen with city views, leathered-granite baths, office/library, music room, aquarium, rooftop balcony, and access to the spire. The Week Staff, theweek, 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 15 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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