crossbones

[ kraws-bohnz, kros- ]

plural noun

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

crossbones

/ ˈkrɒsˌbəʊnz /

plural noun

1. See skull and crossbones
   See skull and crossbones

Word History and Origins

Origin of crossbones¹

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

Example Sentences

Visitors arrive to the park at the Ugab River and are welcomed by gates bearing two skull and crossbones.

From The Daily Beast

Also on tap for midseason: Crossbones and comedies About a Boy and The Family Guide.

From The Daily Beast

Crossbones by Nuruddin Farah A gripping fictional look into the horrors and chaos of Somalia.

From The Daily Beast

And will you obey any command given you during the next week by any illustrious member of Skull and Crossbones?

From Project Gutenberg

The gruesome skulls and crossbones, carved over its gateway, are a dismal reminder of the horrors of that time.

From Project Gutenberg

Whence come these churchyard scourings, these skulls and crossbones set up on end?

From Project Gutenberg

Strange old stones they were, of gray slate, etched with forbidding symbols of skulls and crossbones.

From Project Gutenberg

When Shagarach stepped from the car on his way to meet Mr. Skull-and-Crossbones he found that he was early.

From Project Gutenberg