herringbone

[ her-ing-bohn ]

noun

1. a pattern consisting of adjoining vertical rows of slanting lines, any two contiguous lines forming either a V or an inverted V , used in masonry, textiles, embroidery, etc.
2. Textiles.
   1. Also called chevron,. a type of twill weave having this pattern.
   2. a fabric constructed with this weave.
   3. a garment made from such a fabric, especially a suit.
3. Skiing. a method of going up a slope in which a skier sets the skis in a form resembling a V , and, placing weight on the inside edges, advances the skis by turns using the poles from behind for push and support.

adjective

1. having or resembling herringbone:

   herringbone tweed.

herringbone

/ ˈhɛrɪŋˌbəʊn /

noun

1. 1. a pattern used in textiles, brickwork, etc, consisting of two or more rows of short parallel strokes slanting in alternate directions to form a series of parallel Vs or zigzags
   2. ( as modifier )

      a herringbone pattern of very long, narrow bricks

      a herringbone jacket

2. skiing a method of ascending a slope by walking with the skis pointing outwards and one's weight on the inside edges

verb

1. to decorate (textiles, brickwork, etc) with herringbone
2. intr skiing to ascend a slope in herringbone fashion

Word History and Origins

Origin of herringbone¹

First recorded in 1645–55; herring + bone

Example Sentences

The whole world before me was a dark herringbone tweed.

From Literature

As the crowd sipped cocktails in booths, Hilfiger stuck to what he knows on models walking through: rugby shirts, blazers, chinos and varsity jackets in corduroy and herringbone.

From Seattle Times

They added light-colored herringbone floors, with radiant heating to combat the Norwegian chill, and taupe kitchen cabinets.

From New York Times

A cream sofa, soft blue herringbone chairs, and a caramel leather ottoman were imagined as ruling the room.

From Seattle Times

Past a porch and through a large front door, the front foyer includes herringbone floors.

From Washington Post