skull and crossbones

American  

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 British  

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 Cultural  

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.)

---

Etymology

Origin of skull and crossbones

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

skull and crossbones

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.

From Barron's ● Nov. 26, 2025

"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.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2025

“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.

From Salon ● Oct. 21, 2025

Printed on delicate yellow paper that was almost translucent, “The Americana Treasure Map” was decorated with drawings of galleons, pirates and a compass rose embellished with a skull and crossbones.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2023

The menu above the bar is illustrated with a skull and crossbones, and it’s striking to see the skull smiling.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera