crossbones

[ kraws-bohnz, kros- ]

/ ˈkrɔsˌboʊnz, ˈkrɒs- /

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plural noun

a representation of two bones placed crosswise, usually below a skull, to symbolize death.

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Origin of crossbones

First recorded in 1790–1800; cross- + bone + -s³

Words nearby crossbones

cross-bench, crossbill, crossbirth, crossbody, crossbolt lock, crossbones, cross-border, crossbow, crossbowman, crossbred, crossbreed

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use crossbones in a sentence

Visitors arrive to the park at the Ugab River and are welcomed by gates bearing two skull and crossbones.
Namibia’s Spooky Skeleton Coast|Nina Strochlic|March 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Also on tap for midseason: Crossbones and comedies About a Boy and The Family Guide.
NBC Unveils Its 2013-14 Schedule: ‘Parenthood’ to Thursday, ‘Revolution’ to Wednesday, and More|Jace Lacob|May 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Crossbones by Nuruddin Farah A gripping fictional look into the horrors and chaos of Somalia.
This Week’s Hot Reads||September 26, 2011|DAILY BEAST
And will you obey any command given you during the next week by any illustrious member of Skull and Crossbones?
The Secret of the Sundial|Mildred A. Wirt, AKA Ann Wirt

The gruesome skulls and crossbones, carved over its gateway, are a dismal reminder of the horrors of that time.
Milton's England|Lucia Ames Mead
Whence come these churchyard scourings, these skulls and crossbones set up on end?
Joan of the Sword Hand|S(amuel) R(utherford) Crockett
Strange old stones they were, of gray slate, etched with forbidding symbols of skulls and crossbones.
Glory of Youth|Temple Bailey
When Shagarach stepped from the car on his way to meet Mr. Skull-and-Crossbones he found that he was early.
The Incendiary|W. A. (William Augustine) Leahy

British Dictionary definitions for crossbones

crossbones

/ (ˈkrɒsˌbəʊnz) /

pl n

See skull and crossbones

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012