death's-head

[deths-hed]

noun

1. a human skull, especially as a symbol of mortality.

death's-head

noun

1. a human skull or a representation of one

Word History and Origins

Origin of death's-head¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

In Woodward’s belongings, police found a death’s-head mask — an emblem of the Atomwaffen — spattered with Bernstein’s blood.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors obtained a photograph of Ms. Clendaniel trying to appear fearsome in a death’s-head mask that covered her mouth and nose, as she held a semiautomatic rifle and brandished a holstered 9-millimeter pistol.

Read more on New York Times

The death's-head hawkmoth caterpillar is also a rare sight in the UK.

Read more on BBC

"If you look at an adult death's-head hawkmoth you'd see what an incredibly beautiful animal it is."

Read more on BBC

Their flight paths suggest these death’s-head hawk moths have some complex navigation skills, the authors said, challenging earlier ideas that insects are just wanderers.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• warning