figure eight

[ fig-yer eyt ]

noun
  1. a figure or form composed of two loops made by a continuous line crossing itself, as in the numeral “8,” especially as traced on ice in figure skating.

Origin of figure eight

1
First recorded in 1595–1605

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use figure eight in a sentence

  • Even Slayer frontman Tom Araya announced in 2010 he was retiring his signature helicopter and figure-eight style thrashing.

  • In 1903 the Gordon-Bennett cup race was held in Ireland, over a course of 368 miles, twice around a figure-eight track.

    The Automobilist Abroad | M. F. (Milburg Francisco) Mansfield
  • Sides, a double selvage of two cords, or double overcasting attached figure-eight fashion to the sides.

    Oriental Rugs | Walter A. Hawley
  • Sides, a double selvage of two or three cords, often attached to the sides in figure-eight fashion.

    Oriental Rugs | Walter A. Hawley
  • Sides, a double overcasting attached in figure-eight fashion to the sides, or a double selvage having from three to five cords.

    Oriental Rugs | Walter A. Hawley
  • Only a step beyond the figure-eight and the overhand knots are the "Square" and "Reefing" knots (Figs. 11 and 12).

    Knots, Splices and Rope Work | A. Hyatt Verrill