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Definition of crossbones

crossbones

/ˈkrɔːsˌboʊnz/
cross · bones
Plural:crossbones
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crossbones Lexical Profile

crossbones Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A visual symbol consisting of two long bones placed diagonally across each other, typically depicted beneath or behind a human skull to represent death, piracy, or toxic danger.

Example

"The antique apothecary bottle bore a faded label featuring a skull and crossbones to warn against accidental ingestion."

• Nearby Words

crossbeam
crossbench
crossbill
crossbones
crossbow
crossbred
crossbreed

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century as a compound of 'cross' and 'bones', originally referring to the medieval funerary motif of two crossed femurs carved on gravestones as a reminder of mortality, and later adopted on maritime flags and poison labels.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Crossbones. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/crossbones
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