scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən 

1

a

: any of an order (Scorpionida) of nocturnal arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip

b

capitalized : scorpio

2

: a scourge probably studded with metal

3

: something that incites to action like the sting of an insect

the scorpions of absolute necessity

—Arnold Bennett

Illustration of scorpion

• scorpion 1a

Examples of scorpion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Antares is among the brightest stars visible to the naked eye in the northern hemisphere and is often known as the 'heart of the scorpion', owing to its central position in the constellation Scorpius. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025

One round of horse incubation can produce 2,000 vials of scorpion anti-venom or 200 vials of African snake anti-venom. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 2025

Saldaña and her fellow actors wore battle armor while dealing with the stress of the high-stakes shots (and, as Allen points out, scorpions and snakes), which forced them to rotate in their stunt doubles to allow the cast to cool down. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025

Those of the bark scorpion can cause intense pain, numbness and, in rare cases, more-serious symptoms—especially in children and older adults. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French eskorpiun, from Latin scorpion-, scorpio, from Greek skorpios

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scorpion

• scorpion fish
• scorpion fly
• sea scorpion
• water scorpion
• whip scorpion

Kids Definition

scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən 

: any of an order of invertebrates that are arachnids and that have a long jointed body and a slender tail with a poisonous stinger at the end

Medical Definition

scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən 

: any of an order (Scorpionida) of arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip