herringbone

[ her-ing-bohn ]

/ ˈhɛr ɪŋˌboʊn /

noun

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.

Textiles.

Also called chevron, chevron weave, herringbone weave. a type of twill weave having this pattern.
a fabric constructed with this weave.
a garment made from such a fabric, especially a suit.

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

having or resembling herringbone: herringbone tweed.

Nearby words

herrera, herrick, herrin, herring, herring gull, herringbone, herringbone bond, herringbone bridging, herringbone gear, herringbone stitch, herringchoker

Origin of herringbone

First recorded in 1645–55; herring + bone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for herringbone

A turtleneck gray sweater—it was herringbone tweed—and a cap.
Pryor Dodge's Two-Wheeled Obsession Is Now a Museum of Bike History|Anthony Haden-Guest|September 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Trim the edges of the patch smooth and herringbone stitch with ravelings around it.
Handicraft for Girls|Idabelle McGlauflin
This was going to be one of the Herringbone's more unendurable voyages, Iversen knew.
Once a Greech|Evelyn E. Smith
"You purposely got Harkaway to take you aboard the Herringbone," Iversen interrupted wrathfully.
Once a Greech|Evelyn E. Smith

This herringbone or catch stitch can be used in many places.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne
Tamworth Castle contains some walls that were built by the Saxons in a herringbone pattern.
From John O'Groats to Land's End|Robert Naylor and John Naylor

British Dictionary definitions for herringbone

herringbone

/ (ˈhɛrɪŋˌbəʊn) /

noun

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
(as modifier)a herringbone jacket; a herringbone pattern of very long, narrow bricks

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

verb

to decorate (textiles, brickwork, etc) with herringbone

(intr) skiing to ascend a slope in herringbone fashion

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012