skull

[skuhl]

noun

1. the bony framework of the head, enclosing the brain and supporting the face; the skeleton of the head.

2. the head as the center of knowledge and understanding; mind.

   to get literature's great ideas through our skulls.

3. Armor.,  the part of a helmet that covers the top of the head.

skull

/ skʌl /

noun

1. the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates See cranium

2. derogatory,  the head regarded as the mind or intelligence

   to have a dense skull

3. a picture of a skull used to represent death or danger

skull

1. The part of the skeleton that forms the framework of the head, consisting of the bones of the cranium, which protect the brain, and the bones of the face.

2. See more at skeleton

Other Word Forms

• skull-less adjective
• skull-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skull¹

1175–1225; Middle English scolle < Old Norse skalli

Word History and Origins

Origin of skull¹

C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse skoltr, Norwegian skult, Swedish dialect skulle

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. out of one's skull, crazy; demented.

Example Sentences

The pair eventually caught up to Morales and began hacking at his arm and head, the blade eventually piercing his skull.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The team found part of the dinosaur's skull, a complete vertebral column extending to the tail, and nearly intact forelimbs and hindlimbs, said CONICET.

Read more on Barron's

He added a jaw to the pile, before gently picking up a skull.

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Someone had called deputies about their dog finding a human skull, McClendon said.

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The court was told 11 of the 23 stab wounds penetrated her skull, one of which damaged the brain stem, causing her death.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• cranium 
• scalp