herringbone

[her-ing-bohn]

noun

1. a pattern consisting of adjoining vertical rows of slanting lines, any two contiguous lines forming either a V or an inverted V , used in masonry, textiles, embroidery, etc.

2. Textiles.

   1. Also called chevron weave,. Also called herringbone weave. Also called chevron. a type of twill weave having this pattern.

   2. a fabric constructed with this weave.

   3. a garment made from such a fabric, especially a suit.

3. Skiing.,  a method of going up a slope in which a skier sets the skis in a form resembling a V , and, placing weight on the inside edges, advances the skis by turns using the poles from behind for push and support.

adjective

1. having or resembling herringbone.

   herringbone tweed.

herringbone

/ ˈhɛrɪŋˌbəʊn /

noun

1. 1. a pattern used in textiles, brickwork, etc, consisting of two or more rows of short parallel strokes slanting in alternate directions to form a series of parallel Vs or zigzags

   2. ( as modifier )

      a herringbone jacket

      a herringbone pattern of very long, narrow bricks

2. skiing a method of ascending a slope by walking with the skis pointing outwards and one's weight on the inside edges

verb

1. to decorate (textiles, brickwork, etc) with herringbone

2. (intr) skiing to ascend a slope in herringbone fashion

Word History and Origins

Origin of herringbone¹

First recorded in 1645–55; herring + bone

Example Sentences

As the crowd sipped cocktails in booths, Hilfiger stuck to what he knows on models walking through: rugby shirts, blazers, chinos and varsity jackets in corduroy and herringbone.

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They added light-colored herringbone floors, with radiant heating to combat the Norwegian chill, and taupe kitchen cabinets.

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A cream sofa, soft blue herringbone chairs, and a caramel leather ottoman were imagined as ruling the room.

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Past a porch and through a large front door, the front foyer includes herringbone floors.

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Cooper’s designs also included slate roofs, decorative herringbone brickwork, double-hung wood sash windows and chimneys topped with decorative clay pots.

Read more on Washington Post