herringbone bond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencySpecialised / Technical (especially construction, masonry, design)
Quick answer
What does “herringbone bond” mean?
A pattern resembling the skeleton of a herring, created by arranging bricks, tiles, or other elements in alternating, slanted rows that form a V-shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pattern resembling the skeleton of a herring, created by arranging bricks, tiles, or other elements in alternating, slanted rows that form a V-shape.
In masonry, a decorative and structural brickwork pattern created by laying bricks at 45-degree angles in alternating, opposing directions. In other contexts, it can describe a similar pattern in textiles, flooring, or engineering structures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both variants. However, related terminology for specific brick dimensions or masonry techniques may differ slightly.
Connotations
Conveys connotations of traditional craftsmanship, decorative skill, and structural integrity in both variants.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both AmE and BrE, used almost exclusively within masonry, architecture, and related design fields.
Grammar
How to Use “herringbone bond” in a Sentence
The bricklayer used a herringbone bond.The patio features a traditional herringbone bond.They decided on a herringbone bond for the garden wall.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “herringbone bond” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard as a verb; use 'to lay in herringbone bond' or 'to herringbone']
American English
- [Not standard as a verb; use 'to lay in herringbone bond' or 'to herringbone']
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The herringbone-bond brickwork was a feature of the Victorian garden.
- They chose a herringbone-bond design for the path.
American English
- The herringbone-bond patio added classic charm.
- We inspected the herringbone-bond section of the foundation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Rarely used]
Academic
Used in architectural history, construction engineering, and materials science texts to describe historical or decorative bonding techniques.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used by homeowners or DIY enthusiasts discussing paving or tile patterns.
Technical
Standard term in bricklaying, masonry, and landscape architecture for a specific type of decorative brick bond.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “herringbone bond”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “herringbone bond”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “herringbone bond”
- Writing as 'herring-bone bond' (usually one word for 'herringbone').
- Confusing it with 'basketweave' or other brick patterns.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to herringbone bond the wall' is non-standard; use 'to lay in herringbone bond').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is more decorative than structural. For load-bearing walls, other bonds like English or Flemish bond are typically used for greater strength.
Yes, the 'herringbone' pattern is common in parquet flooring, textiles (like suit fabrics), and paving. 'Herringbone bond' specifically refers to its application in masonry or tile laying.
In herringbone, rectangular elements (bricks, planks) are laid in a broken zigzag, meeting at perpendicular ends. In chevron, the ends are cut at an angle to form a continuous, straight V-shape.
It is considered an intermediate to advanced technique due to the precision required in cutting and aligning bricks or pavers at consistent angles.
A pattern resembling the skeleton of a herring, created by arranging bricks, tiles, or other elements in alternating, slanted rows that form a V-shape.
Herringbone bond is usually specialised / technical (especially construction, masonry, design) in register.
Herringbone bond: in British English it is pronounced /ˌher.ɪŋ.bəʊn ˈbɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌher.ɪŋ.boʊn ˈbɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically for 'herringbone bond']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the bones of a HERRING fish forming a V-shape. Now imagine BRICKS (the BOND) laid to mimic that fishbone pattern.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A FABRIC/TEXTILE (the wall is woven in a zigzag pattern like cloth).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'herringbone bond' primarily used?