herringbone

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

Updated on: 9 May 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

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
Looks-like-they’ve-been-here-forever hardwood floors laid in an intricate herringbone pattern lead to white oak cabinetry and a contrasting blue island whose wood grains absorbed the pigment more than Hackworth had planned.

— lacy morris, ELLE Decor, "House Tour: A Carefully Considered Medina, Washington Home That’s Lacking Nothing But Age," 24 Jan. 2018
Bar fronts incorporate herringbone wood floors taken from the late-1800s-era building that once occupied the property, adding a mild dose of shabby chic.

— liz biro, Indianapolis Star, "Just Pop In! is opening the popcorn bar of every Hoosier's dreams," 19 Jan. 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.

Illustration of herringbone

First Known Use of herringbone

1659

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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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

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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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