centipede

noun

cen·​ti·​pede ˈsen-tə-ˌpēd How to pronounce centipede (audio)
: any of a class (Chilopoda) of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs

Illustration of centipede

Illustration of centipede

Examples of centipede in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web String-course designs, running in a narrow horizontal or vertical band, include small shapes representing fish, birds, shells, or centipedes. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 10 Feb. 2024 This phylum of animals includes insects, crabs, shrimp, scorpions, spiders, and centipedes among others. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Aug. 2023 They should be planted much earlier — centipede in June and bermuda by early August. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 28 Oct. 2020 While their centipede relatives are carnivores, millipedes tend to feed on decaying plant matter—filling an important role in the ecosystem as detritivores. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2023 Animals including the Arthropleura—a nearly 10-foot-long relative of the centipede—splashed through grass-free, shallow waters, their feet skimming the spongy peat made from decomposing foliage. Josie Garthwaite, Discover Magazine, 21 Oct. 2012 Sheehy said that both the diminutive snake and the centipede are venomous. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2022 Though the model indicated a small injury on the side of the snake’s body, probably delivered by the powerful pinchers of the centipede, the deciding factor behind the fight (and behind the snake’s subsequent death) seemed to be the sheer size of the centipede. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2022 The adult lays its eggs on the hosts, which include spiders, centipedes, millipedes, caterpillars and, sadly, also monarch caterpillars. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'centipede.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin centipeda, from centi- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centipede was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near centipede

Cite this Entry

“Centipede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centipede. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

centipede

noun
cen·​ti·​pede ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd How to pronounce centipede (audio)
: any of a class of long flattened arthropods that have many segments with each segment having one pair of legs except for the first segment which has a pair of poison fangs compare millipede
Etymology

from Latin centipeda "centipede," from centi- "hundred" and -peda, from ped-, pes "foot" — related to pedestrian

Medical Definition

centipede

noun
cen·​ti·​pede ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd How to pronounce centipede (audio)
: any member of the class Chilopoda of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs

More from Merriam-Webster on centipede

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!