Meaning

(literally, countable) A bone of a herring..

Definitions by Sense

1. (literally, countable) A bone of a herring.
2. A zigzag pattern, especially made by bricks, on a cloth, or by stitches in sewing.
3. (countable, skiing) A method of climbing a hill by pointing the skis outward in a V-shape to keep from sliding backwards.
4. (textiles) Twilled fabric woven in rows of parallel sloping lines.
5. To stitch in a herringbone pattern.
6. (skiing) To climb a hill by pointing the skis outward in a V-shape to keep from sliding backwards.

Example Sentences

The prosperity of Amsterdam was then so great that it was said that Amsterdam was "founded on herring-bones."

'The best path of life is but a herring-bone pattern.'

Mr Bloom walked behind the eyeless feet, a flatcut suit of herringbone tweed.

Though almost engulfed by Bedford, Elstow's claim to villagedom is still maintained by two fine rows of timber-framed, overhung, black-and-white cottages and the timber and herringbone-brick Swan pub.

For some strange and elusive reason, the staid, prosaic herringbones have angled themselves into a position of fashion prominence.

Word Forms

• herringbones
• herring-bone
• herringboning
• herringboned

Related Words

When Should You Use Herringbone?

Use herringbone when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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