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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of just getting a standard skull and crossbones tattoo on her right angle, Rihanna gave the design a bespoke touch with a pretty red bow. —Julia Meehan, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023

Even the logo, featuring a skull and crossbones, felt uncharacteristic for Lauren. —Tara Gonzalez, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Feb. 2023

According to court documents, the suspect, later identified as Malindretos, was seen donning a ski mask, gloves and a hooded sweatshirt with an emblem of what appeared to be a skull and crossbones. —Gina Martinez, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2023

Since its initial launch, the branding of the weapon on WEE1 Tactical's website does not include the original skull and crossbones logo; instead, their website prominently shows an image of a child aiming the rifle with the assistance of an adult. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2023

Photos show the person dressed in black clothing, including a shirt that appeared to have a skull and crossbones design on it. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2023

And despite the best efforts of activists to inflame the GMO discourse with skull and crossbones rhetoric. —Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2015

No skull and crossbones – just something on the package that informed a consumer that GMO ingredients are present. —Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2013

California Republicans might as well change their logo to a skull and crossbones. —Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

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