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

See Examples For:

crossbones

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

In their gray-and-black dress uniforms, their peaked hats adorned with silver skulls and crossbones sitting on their tables, they stood out from the rest of the crowd—neat, severe, and ominous.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown