figure eight

[ fig-yer eyt ]

noun

1. a figure or form composed of two loops made by a continuous line crossing itself, as in the numeral “8,” especially as traced on ice in figure skating.

Word History and Origins

Origin of figure eight¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

Even Slayer frontman Tom Araya announced in 2010 he was retiring his signature helicopter and figure-eight style thrashing.

From The Daily Beast

In 1903 the Gordon-Bennett cup race was held in Ireland, over a course of 368 miles, twice around a figure-eight track.

From Project Gutenberg

Sides, a double selvage of two cords, or double overcasting attached figure-eight fashion to the sides.

From Project Gutenberg

Sides, a double selvage of two or three cords, often attached to the sides in figure-eight fashion.

From Project Gutenberg

Sides, a double overcasting attached in figure-eight fashion to the sides, or a double selvage having from three to five cords.

From Project Gutenberg

Only a step beyond the figure-eight and the overhand knots are the "Square" and "Reefing" knots (Figs. 11 and 12).

From Project Gutenberg