Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

crossbones

plural noun cross·bones \ ˈkrȯs-ˌbōnz \

Definition of crossbones

: two leg or arm bones placed or depicted crosswise — compare skull and crossbones

First Known Use of crossbones

1686

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

CROSSBONES Defined for Kids

crossbones

noun plural cross·bones \ ˈkrȯs-ˌbōnz \

Definition of crossbones for Students

: two leg or arm bones placed or shown crosswise
  • The pirate's flag bore a skull and crossbones.

Learn More about crossbones

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of crossbones Nglish: Translation of crossbones for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up crossbones? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

voracity

play

the quality or state of being insatiable

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

crossbones

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games