skullcap

American  

[skuhl-kap] / ˈskʌlˌkæp /

noun

1. a small, brimless close-fitting cap, often made of silk or velvet, worn on the crown of the head, as for religious functions.

2. the domelike roof of the skull.

3. Botany. any of various plants belonging to the genus Scutellaria, of the mint family, having a calyx resembling a helmet.

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skullcap British  

/ ˈskʌlˌkæp /

noun

1. a rounded brimless hat fitting the crown of the head

2. the nontechnical name for calvaria

3. any of various perennial plants of the genus Scutellaria, esp S. galericulata, that typically have helmet-shaped flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

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Etymology

Origin of skullcap

First recorded in 1675–85; skull + cap ¹

Compare meaning

How does skullcap compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• skullcap vs. beanie

Example Sentences

They were led by a cardinal in a scarlet skull cap who prayed for Pope Francis to be able to resume his duties as soon as possible.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2025

That means not wearing the kippah skull cap or certain jewelry.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 10, 2022

For his first study of Neanderthal DNA in 1997, Dr. Pääbo and his colleagues drilled into a skull cap discovered in 1856 in a German quarry.

From New York Times • Oct. 19, 2022

A cardinal skull cap is seen on display at the window of the Gammarelli tailor shop in Rome February 11, 2014.

From Reuters • Jun. 16, 2022

A patriarch with a long white beard, black skull cap and toothless gums presided over the vats with a big forked wooden stick.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Related Words

• cranium
• scalp