herringbone

1 of 2

noun

her·​ring·​bone ˈher-iŋ-ˌbōn 

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

• 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

Noun

Thanks to the property’s history as the former mayor’s home, the rooms have a regal air (think timber herringbone floors, vaulted ceilings, and canal views)… even if the smallest clocks in at just 130 square feet. —Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025

The bespoke kitchen comes with Miele and Gaggenau appliances, while oak herringbone floors, veined marble, and custom joinery underscore the attention to detail. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1787, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for herringbone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

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