shepherd's check: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, technical (fashion/textiles), somewhat archaic in general use
Quick answer
What does “shepherd's check” mean?
A fabric pattern consisting of small, even checks, traditionally in black and white or muted colours, originally associated with shepherd's clothing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fabric pattern consisting of small, even checks, traditionally in black and white or muted colours, originally associated with shepherd's clothing.
Any textile or design featuring this classic small-check pattern; by extension, can refer to items (clothing, accessories, décor) made from or featuring this pattern.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more prevalent in British English, particularly in historical or traditional fashion contexts. In American English, 'houndstooth' (a similar but distinct pattern) is often more familiar, though not synonymous.
Connotations
UK: Strong connotations of traditional British country attire, tweed, and heritage brands. US: Less specific cultural connotations; may be seen as a specialist textile term.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in UK texts related to fashion history, tailoring, and classic menswear.
Grammar
How to Use “shepherd's check” in a Sentence
[made of] shepherd's checka shepherd's check [noun]in shepherd's checkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shepherd's check” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He wore a rather smart shepherd's check waistcoat to the wedding.
- The collection featured a classic shepherd's check tweed.
American English
- The designer's fall line included a shepherd's check overcoat.
- It was a traditional shepherd's check fabric in grey and white.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the fashion/textile industry when discussing fabric patterns, heritage brands, or product descriptions.
Academic
Appears in texts on history of costume, textile design, or cultural studies of rural dress.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when describing clothing in detail.
Technical
A specific term in weaving, textile design, and tailoring.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shepherd's check”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shepherd's check”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shepherd's check”
- Misspelling as 'shephards check' or 'shepherd check' (missing apostrophe-s).
- Confusing it with 'houndstooth', which has a jagged, broken check shape.
- Using it as a verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are distinct patterns. Shepherd's check has small, even, regular checks. Houndstooth (or puppytooth) has a jagged, broken check pattern that resembles a dog's tooth.
No. It is exclusively a noun (or a noun used attributively as an adjective). It does not have a verb form.
Traditionally, it is black and white. However, modern versions use many colour combinations, often muted tones like brown/beige or grey/white.
The name originates from the pattern's historical use in the woollen clothing of shepherds in Scotland and Northern England, valued for its durability and simple weave.
A fabric pattern consisting of small, even checks, traditionally in black and white or muted colours, originally associated with shepherd's clothing.
Shepherd's check is usually formal, technical (fashion/textiles), somewhat archaic in general use in register.
Shepherd's check: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛpədz tʃɛk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛpərdz tʃɛk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Scottish shepherd (SHEPHERD) looking at a flock of sheep through a window pane (CHECK). The window has a small, regular check pattern on its frame.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADITION IS A WOVEN PATTERN; RURAL LIFE IS EMBEDDED IN CLOTH.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'shepherd's check' primarily associated with?