skull and crossbones

noun

plural skulls and crossbones

: a representation of a human skull over crossbones usually used as a warning of danger to life

Examples of skull and crossbones in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a series of selfies wearing an all-gray outfit with a bulky chain necklace — which featured a skull and crossbones — and a pair of furry boots, North showed off at least five piercings on her hand and fingers in addition to another on her wrist. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026

Carrots in the shape of a skull and crossbones, cucumbers trimmed into a Star of David. —Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2026

Then came reports of Platner’s tattoo of a skull and crossbones—widely recognized to be a Nazi death’s head—inked across his chest. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Forget about a black diamond—that run deserves a skull and crossbones rating. —Frederick Dreier, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for skull and crossbones

• fluoroquinolones
• allophones
• chaperones
• cobblestones
• cornerstones
• francophones
• gramophones
• hydrophones
• microphones
• overtones
• pheromones
• quinolones

Kids Definition

skull and crossbones

noun

skull and cross·​bones -ˈkrȯs-ˌbōnz 

plural skulls and crossbones

: a representation of a human skull over crossbones used as a warning of danger to life