Illustration of herringbone
- herringbone 1
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
herringboned; herringboning; herringbones
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
Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 18 Nov. 2025
Its dactyl clubs are composed of layers of fibers; some form herringbone patterns, while others are made of corkscrew-like bundles.
—Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Terri Williams, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
The individual condos will have herringbone white-oak floors and large windows.
—Helena Madden, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2021
See All Example Sentences for herringbone
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Noun
Lighthearted gingham gives way to complex plaid, with its crisscross of graphic lines and harmonious colours, while playful florals are replaced by more serious herringbone and houndstooth.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 18 Nov. 2025
Its dactyl clubs are composed of layers of fibers; some form herringbone patterns, while others are made of corkscrew-like bundles.
—Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
Throw Blankets Brooklinen makes a variety of throw blankets, ranging from striped and solid 100% lambswool throw blankets to cable knit throw blankets to herringbone wool throw blankets.
—Terri Williams, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
The individual condos will have herringbone white-oak floors and large windows.
—Helena Madden, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2021
See All Example Sentences for herringbone
Cite this Entry
“Herringbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herringbone. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.
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