Meaning & use
skullcap
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Meanings
nouncountable
A small, close-fitting cap that covers the top of the head, often worn for religious or cultural reasons.
Grammar: Countable; plural is skullcaps.
Patterns
- wear a skullcap
- a skullcap worn by someone
He wears a black skullcap during prayers.
The skullcap is traditionally made of wool or cotton.
She removed her skullcap when she entered the building.
nouncountable or uncountabletechnical
A plant of the mint family with helmet-shaped flowers, often used in herbal medicine.
Grammar: Countable when referring to the plant; uncountable when referring to the dried leaves used as medicine.
Patterns
- skullcap plant
- dried skullcap
Skullcap grows wild in many parts of North America.
Some people drink skullcap tea to help them relax.
The garden has a patch of skullcap near the fence.
Word forms
| plural | skullcaps |
|---|
Common combinations
- wear a skullcap
- Many Jewish men wear a skullcap as a sign of respect.
- black skullcap
- The priest wore a black skullcap.
- skullcap tea
- She made skullcap tea from the dried leaves.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cap
- Cap is a general term for any soft head covering; skullcap is more specific, usually referring to a small, close-fitting one.
- beanie
- Beanie is a casual, close-fitting cap without a brim, often worn for warmth; skullcap is more formal or religious.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'skullcap' correctly?
Choose one answer.
A skullcap is a head covering, so it is worn on the head. Option 1 is wrong because it is not for feet; option 2 is wrong because it is not a shoe; option 3 is wrong because skullcap is a plant, not a vegetable.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “skullcap”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.