noun
skull
SKUHL
noun
1
The bony structure that forms the head, enclosing the brain.
"The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in his skull."
"The museum displayed a dinosaur skull in the main hall."
2
The skull as a symbol representing death.
"The pirate flag showed a skull and crossbones."
3
Informal for the mind or brain.
"Use your skull and think before you answer."
How to Use Skull
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe bone case that protects your brain — also used loosely to mean your mind, or as a death symbol.
Common pairings
skull and crossbones
fracture a skull
use your skull
Word Forms
skulled past tense, skulls plural, skulls singular
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The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in his _____.
Etymology
From Middle English sculle, likely from a dialect form of Old Norse skalli ("bald head, skull").