What does herringbone mean?
Herringbone is a V-shaped or zigzag pattern made from alternating diagonal lines, named because it resembles the ribs or bones of a herring. It appears in woven fabrics, tailored clothing, parquet flooring, brickwork, and other decorative surfaces, where it conveys order, movement, and a classic geometric character. The word is also used for the twill weave traditionally associated with the pattern and for a zigzag course in skiing or snowboarding. As an adjective, herringbone describes material or a design with this arrangement; as a verb, it means to move in alternating left-and-right turns. Herringbone is standard in both British and American English and is generally neutral, although a herringbone suit often suggests traditional professional dress. Its usefulness lies in naming a recognizable pattern that crosses several domains: a textile structure can be both a physical weave and a visual motif, while the same geometry becomes a way of describing motion.
A V-shaped or zigzag pattern of diagonal lines, or a fabric, finish, or other object made in that pattern; also, a zigzag course in skiing or snowboarding.
"The tailor showed me a blue herringbone in a lightweight wool."
Having, woven in, or arranged in a herringbone pattern.
"She chose a grey herringbone overcoat."
To move or turn in a zigzag course, especially on skis or a snowboard.
"They herringboned down the icy run."
The plural refers to individual patterns, fabrics, styles, or pieces of herringbone work.
"The collection includes navy, brown, and grey herringbones."
A pattern with a fish in its name: herringbone resembles the angular bones of a herring.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does herringbone come from?
The word is an English compound formed in the early 19th century from herring and bone, referring to diagonal ribs resembling the bones of a herring. Herring comes from Old English hæring and is cognate with Old Norse haringr, Dutch haring, and German Hering; bone comes from Old English bān. The compound thus joins the fish's name with a traditional description of its skeletal pattern.
Related word forms
How herringbone is actually used
The word is neutral and standard in both British and American English. As an adjective it commonly describes fabric, clothing, flooring, or decorative patterns; as a verb, its use is chiefly associated with skiing and snowboarding.
Easily confused with herringbone
A herring is the fish from which the herringbone pattern takes its name, while herringbone is the pattern or a zigzag course.