death's-head

[ deths-hed ]

noun

1. a human skull, especially as a symbol of mortality.

death's-head

noun

1. a human skull or a representation of one

Word History and Origins

Origin of death's-head¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

In Woodward’s belongings, police found a death’s-head mask — an emblem of the Atomwaffen — spattered with Bernstein’s blood.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors obtained a photograph of Ms. Clendaniel trying to appear fearsome in a death’s-head mask that covered her mouth and nose, as she held a semiautomatic rifle and brandished a holstered 9-millimeter pistol.

From New York Times

Prosecutors obtained a photograph of Ms. Clendaniel trying to appear fearsome in a death’s-head mask that covered her mouth and nose, as she held a semiautomatic rifle and brandished a holstered 9-millimeter pistol.

From New York Times

The death's-head hawkmoth caterpillar is also a rare sight in the UK.

From BBC

"If you look at an adult death's-head hawkmoth you'd see what an incredibly beautiful animal it is."

From BBC

Related Words

• warning