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

Police released an image of the scorpions, which appear to be individually wrapped in plastic. —CBS News, 15 June 2026

Researchers compared the fossils with another ancient species discovered in Canada and identified anatomical features that confirmed Praearcturus gigas was, in fact, a scorpion. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

One theory for why the scorpion got to be so big is to avoid being eaten, as one of the earliest terrestrial beings of its kind, according to the study. —Shraddha Chakradhar, CNN Money, 10 June 2026

The University of Manchester has discovered that the world’s largest scorpion, which lived 415 million years ago, was hiding in the museum’s collection for 150 years. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 June 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