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

Another burgundy Fair Isle sweater has touches of light blue like the designer's Moonlight Dress. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Windswept hair, a scarf draped over one shoulder, a Fair Isle knit made for the moors of Scotland. — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026

Nordic Fair Isle prints and anything with sheep, stripes, or funky patterns are fantastic sellers. — Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 2026

And Brunello Cucinelli melds Fair Isle and Scandinavian devices to create a motif entirely unique to the house. — Jon Roth, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Fair Isle

• argyle
• awhile
• beguile
• compile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle