Definition

Noun: 1. A pattern of columns of short parallel lines with all the lines in one column sloping one way and lines in adjacent columns sloping the other way. This creates a distinctive V-shaped or zigzag design resembling the skeleton of a herring fish. This pattern is used in weaving, masonry, parquetry, and embroidery. 2. A twilled fabric woven with this pattern.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Pattern):
  • The brick walkway was laid in a classic herringbone pattern.
  • The tailor recommended a suit in a subtle grey herringbone.
• Noun (Fabric):
  • He wore a jacket made of fine wool herringbone.

Advanced Usage

• "Herringbone stitch": A basic embroidery stitch that creates the herringbone pattern on fabric.
  • She decorated the pillowcase with a colorful herringbone stitch.
• "Herringbone parquet": A style of wood flooring where rectangular blocks are arranged in the herringbone pattern.
  • The ballroom featured elegant herringbone parquet flooring.

Variants and Related Words

• Herringboned (adjective): Describing something arranged in or featuring a herringbone pattern.
  • The herringboned bricks provided extra stability for the path.

Synonyms

• Chevron pattern: A similar V-shaped pattern, though chevrons are often continuous and broader.
• Zigzag pattern: A general term for a line or pattern with sharp turns.

Related Phrases

• "To herringbone" (verb, specialized): In skiing, to climb a slope by pointing the tips of the skis outward and edging them into the snow, creating a herringbone pattern with one's tracks.
  • The skiers had to herringbone their way up the steep section of the trail.

Noun

1. a pattern of columns of short parallel lines with all the lines in one column sloping one way and lines in adjacent columns sloping the other way; it is used in weaving, masonry, parquetry, embroidery
2. a twilled fabric with a herringbone pattern