English · Word Candidate

skull

/ˈskʌl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: skulls · skulling · skulled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The main bones of the head considered as a unit; including the cranium, facial bones, and mandible.

Noun

Examples

All the time six or eight large Chinese gongs were being beaten by the vigorous arms of as many young men, producing such a deafening discord that I was glad to escape to the round house, where I slept very comfortably with half a dozen smoke-dried human skulls suspended over my head.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

These bones as a symbol for death; death's-head.

Noun

Examples

Thine are these orbs of light and shade; ⁠Thou madest Life in man and brute; ⁠Thou madest Death; and lo, thy foot Is on the skull which thou hast made.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To hit in the head with a fist, a weapon, or a thrown object.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To strike the top of (the ball).

Verb

Examples

Monte swung so hard at the next ball that he skulled it straight right, into the pond: 8 in, 9 out.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “skull” mean?

The main bones of the head considered as a unit; including the cranium, facial bones, and mandible.

Is “skull” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.