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

The matte, blasted steel and titanium case is comfortable on its textured rubber strap, and the satellite hours and a 240° retrograde minutes hand that snaps back like a scorpion’s sting at the turn of each hour will spark dozens of conversations. —Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025

Also, Mabel wears her emotions close to her chest and isn’t revealing, a vibe that resonates with the secretive scorpion. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Saleh Bakri was bitten by a scorpion. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025

Antares is among the brightest stars visible to the naked eye in the northern hemisphere and is often known as the 'heart of the scorpion', owing to its central position in the constellation Scorpius. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 Aug. 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