houndstooth

noun

hounds·​tooth ˈhau̇n(d)z-ˌtüth 

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

Examples of houndstooth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The houndstooth pattern, crafted with wool and cotton-blend, was wholly reminiscent of the Scottish highlands where the print originated, ideal for a day outdoors walking the grounds in early autumn. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Kate wore a gray blazer with a houndstooth checked print in blue and tan. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 27 June 2026

Pinstripes and houndstooth were printed onto silk chiffon rather than woven, creating a look that was formal, yet transparent. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

On paper, certain design elements shouldn’t make sense, like the vine wallpaper mixed with cloth foliage fabric wall coverings, or the houndstooth wallpaper in a bathroom that’s already an alchemy of half a dozen different tile patterns. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for houndstooth

• bluetooth
• forsooth
• sawtooth
• tolbooth
• uncouth
• untruth
• vermouth
• luth
• muth
• sleuth
• tooth
• youth