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

The Praearcturus gigas lived during the Early Devonian period—a time when forests had not yet evolved—so this giant scorpion lived among small plants and fungi, as per the press release. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 June 2026

The fossils hint that this giant scorpion may have lived in the water some of the time. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 June 2026

Its brightest star, Antares, marks the heart of the celestial scorpion. —Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the moon will be closely situated near Antares, a bright star at the heart of the constellation Scorpius, which resembles a scorpion in the sky. —Connor Greene, Time, 29 May 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