hound's tooth
C1formal / technical (fashion, textiles), informal (general descriptive)
Definition
Meaning
A fabric pattern consisting of small, jagged checks, traditionally black and white.
Any object featuring the characteristic broken check pattern; can refer to the fabric itself or design elements resembling the pattern.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used attributively (e.g., houndstooth jacket). The spelling can be closed ('houndstooth'), open ('hound's tooth'), or hyphenated ('hound's-tooth'), with 'houndstooth' being most common in modern references.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically. The spelling 'houndstooth' (one word) is dominant in both, though the older 'hound's tooth' is occasionally seen.
Connotations
Connotes classic, retro, or smart style in both cultures. In the UK, may have stronger associations with traditional countrywear.
Frequency
Moderate and comparable frequency in fashion/design contexts; low frequency in everyday conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determiner] + houndstooth + [noun][noun] + in + houndstoothVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with the pattern.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in marketing and product descriptions for fashion retail.
Academic
Used in texts related to textile history, fashion design, or semiotics of clothing.
Everyday
Used to describe clothing or fabric patterns.
Technical
Precise term in weaving, textile manufacturing, and fashion design specifications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She wore a smart houndstooth blazer to the interview.
- The classic houndstooth check never goes out of style.
American English
- He prefers houndstooth patterns for his sport coats.
- The interior had a houndstooth accent wall.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like your coat. Is that a houndstooth pattern?
- My new scarf has a black and white houndstooth design.
- Although houndstooth originated in woven wool, it's now printed on many different materials.
- The designer's autumn collection featured a modernist reinterpretation of the traditional houndstooth, scaling it up dramatically for a bold, graphic effect.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dog's (hound's) tooth with a jagged, pointed shape; the pattern looks like small, repeated, jagged teeth.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATTERN IS A TEXTURE OF SHARDS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'собачий зуб'. The established term is 'собачий зубчик' or more commonly the direct borrowing 'хаундстус' in fashion contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'houndstooths' (plural; usually uncountable for the pattern).
- Confusing with 'herringbone' or 'argyle' patterns.
- Using it as a verb incorrectly.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a houndstooth pattern?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The modern standard spelling is as one closed word: 'houndstooth'. The forms 'hound's tooth' and 'hound's-tooth' are older and less common.
Yes. While the classic combination is black and white, the pattern is now produced in any colour combination (e.g., brown and beige, red and black).
Houndstooth is a pattern of jagged, broken checks. Herringbone is a pattern of parallel, slanted rows resembling the bones of a fish, creating a 'V' or zigzag effect. They are distinct patterns.
It spans both. In a tailored suit or blazer, it is considered smart and formal-casual or business attire. On a casual scarf or a printed dress, it can be more informal and trendy.