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

Players can command the creature to attack smaller, more annoying foes such as mites, but when fighting bigger adversaries such as scorpions or orb weavers, players can hop off and the ant will attack and protect the rider. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025

Stick insects, scorpions and spiders are a common sight, while lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of a porcupine scurrying through the canopy. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025

Spiders and scorpions have existed for about 400 million years with little change -- dominating the Earth as the most successful group of arthropodan predators. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 July 2025

Doing this requires knowledge of when an aircraft is about to touch down, a knowledge that beetles, mosquitoes, wasps, scorpions, butterflies, and other airport-grass dwellers have mysteriously developed. —Fabio Morábito, New Yorker, 24 July 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