Jolly Roger

[ roj-er ]

noun

1. a flag flown by pirates, having the device of a white skull and crossbones on a black field.

Jolly Roger

noun

1. the traditional pirate flag, consisting of a white skull and crossbones on a black field

Jolly Roger

1. A black flag with a white skull and crossbones , flown in past centuries by pirate ships.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jolly Roger¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

It was a logo the team maintained until 1997 when they switched to a more aggressive, menacing Jolly Roger.

From Washington Post

If they feel like followin' the Jolly Roger we'll give 'em the coast seaman's scale for a deep-water cruise and a five per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

That makes us pirates, and that old Maggie burgee floatin' at the fore ain't nothin' more nor less than the Jolly Roger.

From Project Gutenberg

So he was off and away, the bounding sea beneath him and the brave Jolly Roger floating over his head.

From Project Gutenberg

Jolly Roger's face was coldly gray as he knelt down on the floor and bent over Peter.

From Project Gutenberg

Jolly Roger's breath cut itself suddenly short, and for an instant he grew tense as he bent over the stove.

From Project Gutenberg