Illustration of centipede
centipede
noun
cen·ti·pede
ˈsen-tə-ˌpēd 
: 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
Examples of centipede in a Sentence
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Centipedes Versus Millipedes Most people can’t tell the difference between a centipede and a millipede, another multi-legged creature that needs moisture to thrive.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025
Rounding out turf grass options are St. Augustine and centipede grass, both of which self-propagate by means of stolons alone.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, 12-inch centipedes were also confiscated and the green mamba, which had been sick, died after the raid.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
The Redditor later said that commenters identified the creature as a centipede, likely the Scolopendra cingulata, also known as the giant Mediterranean centipede.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
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Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025
Rounding out turf grass options are St. Augustine and centipede grass, both of which self-propagate by means of stolons alone.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, 12-inch centipedes were also confiscated and the green mamba, which had been sick, died after the raid.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
The Redditor later said that commenters identified the creature as a centipede, likely the Scolopendra cingulata, also known as the giant Mediterranean centipede.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for centipede
Cite this Entry
“Centipede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centipede. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
centipede
noun
cen·ti·pede
ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd
: 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
: 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
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