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 toeing out on skis and placing the weight on the inner side

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

The prints available on this affordable scarf look surprisingly high-end, including a classic camel plaid and dark gray herringbone, though some appear cheaper than others. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026

At the opposite end of the upper ground level sits a hunter-green kitchen with herringbone wood floors. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026

To give your floors a big dose of interest without compromising your or your guests’ equilibrium, the designer suggests using a herringbone layout. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2026

On her 14th wedding anniversary on April 29, 2025, the royal wore a double-breasted blazer in brown herringbone during an engagement alongside her husband William. — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

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