crossbones

American

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

plural noun

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

crossbones British

/ ˈkrɒsˌbəʊnz /

plural noun

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

Etymology

Origin of crossbones

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Nov. 26, 2025

"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 • Oct. 22, 2025

“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 • Oct. 21, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2025

“See that skull and crossbones? That’s the universal symbol for not good.”

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023