crossbones

American  

[kraws-bohnz, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌboʊnz, ˈkrɒs- /

plural noun

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

---

crossbones British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌbəʊnz /

plural noun

1. See skull and crossbones

---

Etymology

Origin of crossbones

First recorded in 1790–1800; cross- + bone + -s ³

Example Sentences

From Nepal to Peru, Morocco and Madagascar, brandishing the symbol of a skull and crossbones in a straw hat, Gen Z protests across the world stood up to authorities in 2025, even toppling two governments.

From Barron's

"We chose a terrifying looking skull and crossbones off the wall because we were marines and skulls and crossbones are pretty standard military thing," he said.

From BBC

“We chose a terrifying looking skull and crossbones off the wall because we were marines and skulls and crossbones are pretty standard military thing,” he said.

From Salon

On his lapel, he wore a little button, a heart over crossbones.

From Los Angeles Times

A vehement nonsmoker, he kept in his office a cigarette box adorned with a skull and crossbones, to demonstrate their danger.

From Los Angeles Times