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skull and crossbones
noun
plural skulls and crossbones
: a representation of a human skull over crossbones usually used as a warning of danger to life
Examples of skull and crossbones in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The email included a chart showing a skull and crossbones at around that depth.
—Mark Harris, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
Stokes, who has long hair and glasses, giving him the look of a scientific David Foster Wallace, decorated his office with a poster of a skull and crossbones.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
Lola fashioned a pair of baggy light blue jeans with a worn leather jacket and a shirt featuring a skull and crossbones.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 18 June 2024
And its best mariners will continue to fly the skull and crossbones.
—Michael Lyon Baker, Foreign Affairs, 4 Oct. 2010
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Word History
First Known Use
1826, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of skull and crossbones was
in 1826
Dictionary Entries Near skull and crossbones
Cite this Entry
“Skull and crossbones.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skull%20and%20crossbones. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
skull and crossbones
noun
skull and cross·bones
-ˈkrȯs-ˌbōnz
plural skulls and crossbones
: a representation of a human skull over crossbones used as a warning of danger to life
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