Skull: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to the bone structure of the head, often in a medical, scientific, or forensic context. Can sometimes have a darker or more dramatic connotation.

• The archaeologists found an ancient skull in the excavation.
• The pirate flag had a skull and crossbones on it.

This term is primarily used in medical or anatomical settings to refer to the part of the skull that encloses the brain.

• The doctor explained the importance of protecting the cranium during contact sports.
• The cranium consists of several fused bones.

Use in everyday language to refer to the entire structure at the top of the human or animal body. This word is not limited to the bone but includes the face and brain as well.

• She held her head high, confident and unafraid.
• He nodded his head in agreement.

Refers specifically to the domed part of the skull, usually the upper part. Can also refer to a type of small, rounded hat worn by certain religious groups.

• The surgeons had to carefully remove part of the skullcap to access the brain.
• The rabbi wore a traditional skullcap during the service.

General use in both everyday conversation and scientific contexts. It refers to the bony structure of the head that encloses the brain.

• He sustained a fracture in his skull during the accident.
• The museum displayed a dinosaur skull.

Literary, artistic or symbolic contexts. Often implying a symbol of death or mortality and may have a negative or dark connotation.

• The pirate flag had a menacing death's head on it.
• In the old painting, a death's head symbolizes the fleeting nature of life.

Scientific or medical contexts. It specifically refers to the part of the skull that encloses the brain, excluding the jaw and facial bones.

• The doctor examined the MRI of the cranium to check for abnormalities.
• In anatomy class, we studied the human cranium.

Used in anatomy to refer to the bony structure that forms the head and protects the brain.

• The archaeologist discovered an ancient skull.
• He suffered a fracture to the skull during the accident.

Often used in informal settings to describe drinking a large amount of liquid quickly, typically in a casual or competitive way.

• He chugged a bottle of water after the race.
• During the party, he chugged a whole can of soda.

Refers to swallowing food or drink quickly and heavily, usually because one is in a hurry or very thirsty. Can also describe a nervous or anxious act.

• She gulped down her drink before running out the door.
• He gulped nervously before giving his speech.