houndstooth

noun

hounds·​tooth ˈhau̇n(d)z-ˌtüth How to pronounce houndstooth (audio)
variants or less commonly hound's-tooth
: a usually small broken-check textile pattern
also : a fabric woven in this pattern

called also houndstooth check, hound's-tooth check

Illustration of houndstooth

Illustration of houndstooth

Examples of houndstooth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wandering the icy streets of Cortina in a furry hat, houndstooth coat and enough swagger to make the snowflake medal hanging from his neck jangle in agreement, Coach Snoop (as one of his beanies reads) appears in his element. Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026 Sequins, the trending animal print of the moment (snakeskin), and even classic houndstooth all make an appearance. Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026 Abrams arrived for the show dressed in a black, white and canary yellow Chanel houndstooth jacket styled with beige trousers and cap-toe heels. Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026 Cerruti dal 1881 had fresh wools blended with silk and woven in mélange, mouliné and jaspé textiles with a 3D look bearing subtle patterns, including pinstripes and houndstooth. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for houndstooth

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of houndstooth was in 1893

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Houndstooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/houndstooth. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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