Fair Isle
noun
: a style of knitting originating in the Shetland Islands that is characterized by bands of multicolored geometric patterns
also
: an article of clothing knitted in this style
Examples of Fair Isle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the photo the mother of three smiles for the camera in a beautiful cream Fair Isle turtleneck sweater, which she has already been seen wearing multiple times last winter.
—
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2023
On a chilly day, slip into Commando's subtle mock-neck with a Fair Isle sweater or wool peacoat on top.
—Gaby Keiderling, Vogue, 18 Nov. 2023
Classic duffle coats have been cropped and given sharp structure; Fair Isle sweaters have been remixed with squirrel motifs; pleated skirts have been smoothed out.
—Jake Smith, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2023
Price at time of publish: $13 Southern Living Holiday Fair Isle Collection Cocoa Jar
View On Dillards.com
This Southern Living collection cocoa jar is sure to get plenty of use during the holiday season.
—Molly Allen, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2023
Pinterest highlights both trendy, neutral holiday decorations, along with clean designs that display a little more color: The Pearly Metallic Glass Globe Ornament and Fair Isle Glass House go with the neutral trend with a unique twist.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2023
From Fair Isle to buffalo plaid to beloved Disney characters in Santa hats, you’re bound to find something both your partner, kiddo, and, in some cases, even your pet will rock without complaint.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2023
So, get started on your holiday shopping early with this Barbie cropped tee in a Fair Isle pattern.
—Town & Country, 27 July 2023
On a warm Friday night in March, girls with bleached hair, vintage purses and blunt bangs and guys with mustaches, signet rings and semi-ironic Fair Isle sweaters were crowded into outdoor seats well after 10 p.m., smoking cigarettes and shriek-laughing over tables littered with empty glasses.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 7 May 2023
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Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2023
On a chilly day, slip into Commando's subtle mock-neck with a Fair Isle sweater or wool peacoat on top.
—Gaby Keiderling, Vogue, 18 Nov. 2023
Classic duffle coats have been cropped and given sharp structure; Fair Isle sweaters have been remixed with squirrel motifs; pleated skirts have been smoothed out.
—Jake Smith, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2023
Price at time of publish: $13 Southern Living Holiday Fair Isle Collection Cocoa Jar
View On Dillards.com
This Southern Living collection cocoa jar is sure to get plenty of use during the holiday season.
—Molly Allen, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2023
Pinterest highlights both trendy, neutral holiday decorations, along with clean designs that display a little more color: The Pearly Metallic Glass Globe Ornament and Fair Isle Glass House go with the neutral trend with a unique twist.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2023
From Fair Isle to buffalo plaid to beloved Disney characters in Santa hats, you’re bound to find something both your partner, kiddo, and, in some cases, even your pet will rock without complaint.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2023
So, get started on your holiday shopping early with this Barbie cropped tee in a Fair Isle pattern.
—Town & Country, 27 July 2023
On a warm Friday night in March, girls with bleached hair, vintage purses and blunt bangs and guys with mustaches, signet rings and semi-ironic Fair Isle sweaters were crowded into outdoor seats well after 10 p.m., smoking cigarettes and shriek-laughing over tables littered with empty glasses.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 7 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Fair Isle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1851, in the meaning defined above
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Dictionary Entries Near Fair Isle
Cite this Entry
“Fair Isle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Fair%20Isle. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on Fair Isle
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Fair Isle
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