Fair Isle

noun

: a style of knitting originating in the Shetland Islands that is characterized by bands of multicolored geometric patterns
also : an article of clothing knitted in this style

Examples of Fair Isle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Gregory Shamus / Getty Images The designs were inspired by the Dolomite Mountains and bold pattern illustrations, Ben Sherman says, and incorporate heritage checks and Fair Isle knitwear. Melissa Gaffney, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 As Cal tells his former best friend, Isla, her Fair Isle sweater boasts 29 different shades. Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026 Which Fair Isle sweater will make it into your carry-on. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026 The third category was the extension of quiet luxury and included a teddy bouclé jacket, a leopard print bomber, Fair Isle sweaters and tonal chiffon polka-dot blouses. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Fair Isle

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Fair Isle was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Fair Isle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Fair%20Isle. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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