# skull

/ˈskəɫ/ (US) · /skˈʌl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skull
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. head bones

noun · CEFR B2

the bones that form the head and protect the brain.

For teachers: the bony framework of the head, enclosing the brain and supporting the face.

- The doctor showed him an X-ray of his skull to check for any cracks.
- Forensic anthropologists examined the skull to determine the age and sex of the individual based on cranial sutures and facial structure.

### 2. symbol of death

noun · CEFR B2

a picture or object of a head bone used to represent death or danger.

For teachers: the cranium used as a memento mori or a symbol of toxicity and danger.

- The bottle of poison had a skull and crossbones on the label.
- The pirate flag, featuring a white skull against a black field, served as a psychological tool to intimidate merchant vessels into surrendering.

### 3. the mind

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

your head or your mind, often used when someone is not listening.

For teachers: the mind or brain, frequently used in idiomatic expressions regarding comprehension or stubbornness.

- I've told him a dozen times, but I can't get it through his thick skull.
- It took several hours of explanation before the basic principles of the new software finally penetrated his skull.

Usage: Often used with the adjective 'thick' to describe someone who is slow to understand.

### 4. to drink quickly

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

to drink the entire contents of a glass in one go.

For teachers: to consume the entirety of a beverage by upending the vessel; synonymous with 'chug'.

- The crowd cheered as he managed to skull the whole pint of juice.
- In a display of bravado at the university party, he proceeded to skull his drink before joining his friends on the dance floor.

Teaching tip: This usage is particularly common in Australian and New Zealand English, though understood elsewhere.

## Examples

- The doctor checked the X-ray to see if the skull was fractured.
- Archaeologists carefully brushed away the dirt to reveal a prehistoric skull buried deep in the cave floor.
- The thickness of the human skull varies across different regions of the head, providing maximum protection to the most vulnerable areas of the cerebral cortex.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.