herringbone

American  

[her-ing-bohn] / ˈhɛr ɪŋˌboʊn /

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 weave,.  Also called herringbone weave.  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.

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adjective

1. having or resembling herringbone.

   herringbone tweed.

herringbone British  

/ 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 jacket

      a herringbone pattern of very long, narrow bricks

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

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verb

1. to decorate (textiles, brickwork, etc) with herringbone

2. (intr) skiing to ascend a slope in herringbone fashion

Etymology

Origin of herringbone

First recorded in 1645–55; herring + bone

Explanation

Herringbone is a pattern of small Vs that looks like a broken zigzag. You might be able to spot herringbone in your favorite twill coat and the wooden floor in your apartment. Herringbone gets its name from the similarity to the skeleton of a herring, its small bones forming Vs. It's a very popular weaving pattern, and if you look closely at suit jackets or wool coats, you'll see what herringbone looks like. In flooring, tile, brick patios and even sidewalks, herringbone patterns are also common, with parallel lines that alternate sloping one way and then the other, forming a kind of zigzag.

Example Sentences

Fabric with a herringbone pattern requires more skilled and expensive stitchwork and can waste more materials, she said.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 8, 2026

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 • Feb. 9, 2024

Cooper’s designs also included slate roofs, decorative herringbone brickwork, double-hung wood sash windows and chimneys topped with decorative clay pots.

From Washington Post • Nov. 19, 2022

The latest in the evolution of Armani’s iconic jacket is the Upton, a double-breasted, unlined piece with a standout topstitching design that looks a bit like herringbone from a distance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2022

I dug my nails into my palms till my skin had nearly turned to herringbone.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd