herringbone

noun, often attributive her·ring·bone \ ˈher-iŋ-ˌbōn , ˈhe-riŋ- \

Definition of herringbone

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

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Recent Examples of herringbone from the Web

Inside the shapes made by the beams, the bricks are laid in herringbone patterns.

— judy rose, Detroit Free Press, "Grand Grosse Pointe Farms home was a wedding gift," 27 Aug. 2017
A new herringbone floor in the kitchen matches the dining room's floor.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "Graffiti wallpaper in a 1922 Colonial Revival house: Yes! (photos)," 2 Aug. 2017
Herringbone and chevron patterns are making a comeback in backsplashes.

— pat setter, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Decor trends: happy colors, geometrics, touches of shimmer," 22 July 2017
The characteristic herringbone arrangement of switches in the old car is gone, with many of those functions moved to the big 12.3-inch touchscreen that also handles audio, navigation, phone, and vehicle settings.

— tony quiroga, Car and Driver, "2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo," 18 July 2017
Both spaces sport white wall tile laid in a herringbone pattern — black grout in the guest bath, white grout in the master.

— tate gunnerson, chicagotribune.com, "Beauty in black and white," 8 June 2017
Featuring a mix of Flemish and traditional brickwork with vine and herringbone detail, 1120 S. High St. boasts a façade that is not seen every day, especially in Denver.

— brittanny havard, The Denver Post, "LIV Sotheby’s International Realty showcases English Tudor-style home in Washington Park designed by famed Denver architect," 2 June 2017
A jack-and-Jill bathroom with herringbone mosaic Rockwood marble floors links two upstairs bedrooms.

— kadee krieger, NOLA.com, "St. Jude's New Orleans Dream Home is worth nearly $600k. One lucky winner will get the keys," 31 May 2017
French doors from the living room open onto a brick patio with a herringbone pattern and the expansive backyard.

— andrea f. siegel, baltimoresun.com, "Desirable spaces: An Annapolis home steeped in history," 17 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'herringbone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of herringbone

First Known Use of herringbone

1659

herringbone

verb

Definition of herringbone

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

First Known Use of herringbone

1787

HERRINGBONE Defined for English Language Learners

herringbone

noun

Definition of herringbone for English Language Learners

: a pattern used on cloth that consists of rows of parallel lines that slant in opposite directions to form V shapes

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