Jolly Roger

noun

Jol·​ly Rog·​er ˈjä-lē-ˈrä-jər How to pronounce Jolly Roger (audio)
Synonyms of Jolly Rogernext
: a black flag with a white skull and crossbones formerly used by pirates as their ensign

Word History

Etymology

probably from jolly entry 1 + the name Roger

First Known Use

circa 1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Jolly Roger was circa 1785

Dictionary Entries Near Jolly Roger

jolly boat

Jolly Roger

jolly well

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Jolly Roger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jolly%20Roger. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

Jolly Roger

noun
Jol·​ly Rog·​er ˌjäl-ē-ˈräj-ər How to pronounce Jolly Roger (audio)
: a black flag with a white skull and crossbones formerly used by pirates
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