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 herringboning

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

And in the bathroom, gray herringbone tile covers the walls, while teal herringbone coats the floors. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

The home is a study in contrast: ancient bones—arched ceilings, herringbone brick floors, exposed stones—and sleek, sculptural design. —Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 27 June 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

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