cranial

adjective

cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl How to pronounce cranial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the skull or cranium
2
cranially adverb

Examples of cranial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Erbert had the procedure after being diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel while on her and Hough's Symphony of Dance tour. Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025 Over the past two decades, the investigation has included: The creation of a potential forensic rendering of the decedent’s face based on cranial features. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025 At the Mission Viejo location, the massage therapists specialize in Thai massage, reiki, reflexology and cranial sacral. Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 Tetley, an 8-year-old beagle mix from Lancashire, U.K., is struggling to walk after rupturing both cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL), and developing arthritis in her hind legs. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cranial

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cranial was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Cranial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cranial. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

cranial

adjective
cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl How to pronounce cranial (audio)
: of, relating to, or directed toward the skull or cranium

Medical Definition

cranial

adjective
cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl How to pronounce cranial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the skull or cranium
2
: cephalic
the cranial end of the spinal column
cranially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cranial

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