herringbone

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

|Updated on: 4 Jul 2018

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

My go-tos are a herringbone Giorgio Armani blazer or a dark gray Dolce & Gabbana blazer.

— diana tsui, The Cut, "The Power Lawyer Who Believes in a Power Dress," 19 June 2018
Plaza slings her oversize herringbone blazer on a chair and sits at the small table, under the painting of esoteric inferences, across from Paula.

— nojan aminosharei, Marie Claire, "Aubrey Plaza Was Never April Ludgate," 13 June 2018
Corridor: Cerulean-blue linen button-up ($198); slightly faded herringbone khaki chinos ($195); a skinny, polka-dot, handmade-in-Brooklyn tie ($75). 2.

— katy schneider, The Cut, "16 Gift Ideas for Moms, Dads, and Discerning Grads," 29 Apr. 2018
The home’s numerous architectural flourishes include original features like 10-foot ceilings in the entertaining space, herringbone oak floors, decorative moldings and two wood-burning fireplaces that are in working condition.

— vivian marino, New York Times, "Family of Christine Beshar, Trailblazing Lawyer, Selling Co-op," 29 Mar. 2018
Out in the Dark There’s that stunning herringbone pattern again, made all the more elegant by matte black tiles.

— joanna linberg, Sunset, "10 Ideas for Decorating with Tile," 22 Jan. 2018
The waterfall island and white subway tile arranged in a herringbone pattern in the kitchen are straight out of Joanna’s playbook.

— megan stein, PEOPLE.com, "Joanna Gaines 'Can't Get Over' This Unbelievable Fixer Upper-Inspired Dollhouse," 21 Mar. 2018
But her vision for the home, meant to be her showcase flip, changed after contractors wrapped a laborious two-month herringbone hardwood-floor install on the first floor.

— chantal lamers, Sunset, "How to Design a Modern Surfer-Style Home," 22 Jan. 2018
Hamill wore Rag & Bone’s $595 navy herringbone wool Patrick blazer paired with an $80 Classic T-shirt, $250 jeans and $495 suede Spencer chuka boots.

— ingrid schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, "Style Notes: Fashion Industry Blacklist Pulled Down; Lisa Bonet Sensed 'Sinister Energy" From Bill Cosby," 10 Mar. 2018

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.