scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən 

1

a

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

b

Scorpion : 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

Stapley adds, invoking the fable of the scorpion and the frog. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Its bright red star Antares marks the heart of the scorpion, with a curving tail extending downward toward the horizon. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Cretton gets things going with a wowser of an action sequence as Spider-Man, in cahoots with police detective Jean DeWolff (a fine Liza Colon-Zayas), sets out to save the day confronting bad guy Scorpion (Michael Mando) who is on the loose. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 28 July 2026

An exception is Scorpius, whose curved body and hooked tail really do resemble a scorpion. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

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