herringbone

[ her-ing-bohn ]

/ ˈhɛr ɪŋˌboʊn /

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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.

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Origin of herringbone

First recorded in 1645–55; herring + bone

Words nearby herringbone

Herrenvolk, Herrera, Herrick, Herrin, herring, herringbone, herringbone bond, herringbone bridging, herringbone gear, herringbone stitch, herringchoker

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use herringbone in a sentence

Available in a variety of herringbone or solid woven colorways, they are lined in primaloft recycled eco-fleece fabric for extra warmth and softness.
Earmuffs and knit bands that will absolutely keep your heads warm|PopSci Commerce Team|January 8, 2021|Popular-Science
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
Join together the sides with the loops by sewing in herringbone st. Sew the other sides in the usual manner.
Beehive for Bairns, Vol. 2|Various
Mr Bloom walked behind the eyeless feet, a flatcut suit of herringbone tweed.
Ulysses|James Joyce

This herringbone or catch stitch can be used in many places.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne
The split-twig herringbone ornament is also nailed to these boards.
Rustic Carpentry|Paul N. Hasluck
Turn one fold three-eighths of an inch wide on the four sides of the large piece, baste and herringbone stitch the raw edge.
Handicraft for Girls|Idabelle McGlauflin

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