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.

    • Also called chevron, chevron weave, herringbone weave . a type of twill weave having this pattern.

    • a fabric constructed with this weave.

    • a garment made from such a fabric, especially a suit.

  1. 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.

Origin of herringbone

1
First recorded in 1645–55; herring + bone

Words Nearby herringbone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use herringbone in a sentence

  • The split-twig herringbone ornament is also nailed to these boards.

    Rustic Carpentry | Paul N. Hasluck
  • Turn one fold three-eighths of an inch wide on the four sides of the large piece, baste and herringbone stitch the raw edge.

    Handicraft for Girls | Idabelle McGlauflin

British Dictionary definitions for herringbone

herringbone

/ (ˈhɛrɪŋˌbəʊn) /


noun
    • 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

    • (as modifier): a herringbone jacket; a herringbone pattern of very long, narrow bricks

  1. 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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012