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

That’s not to say there aren’t common elements—maximalist silk and velvet prints on the upholstery, fearless color when the fabrics are solid, blond herringbone wood floors, white marble in the bathroom. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Jacquemus Simone Porte Jacquemus and his team imagined the Melrose store as a Provençal salon, with stone herringbone floors, long yellow sofas, and pieces from his own art collection. — John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026

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

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