skull and crossbones

noun

1. a representation of a front view of a human skull above two crossed bones, originally used on pirates' flags and now used as a warning sign, as in designating substances as poisons.

skull and crossbones

noun

1. a picture of the human skull above two crossed thighbones, formerly on the pirate flag, now used as a warning of danger or death

skull and crossbones

1. A picture or outline of a human skull and two crossed arm or leg bones. Pirate ships are supposed to have used the skull and crossbones on their flags. (See also Jolly Roger.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of skull and crossbones¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

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.

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"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.

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“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.

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A vehement nonsmoker, he kept in his office a cigarette box adorned with a skull and crossbones, to demonstrate their danger.

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The next day, Mr. Ihnat published a message on Facebook that included emojis representing a skull and crossbones, three planes, and a picture of a Patriot system.

Read more on New York Times