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

Arizona's hot, dry climate provides an ideal environment year round for many bugs, including ticks, cicadas, palo verde beetles and arachnids such as Joro spiders, black widows and lots of scorpions (including bark scorpions). —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 17 July 2024

The stars in Scorpius form the shape of a fishhook or the letter J. This is the body and tail of the scorpion. —Dean Regas, The Enquirer, 13 July 2024

According to the police, one liter of medicine from scorpion venom could be worth $10 million, which is why it was prohibited to take these animal species out of the country. —Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 15 May 2024

Kourtney did not specify the type of scorpion that bit her. —Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 4 July 2024

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