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

On the ground were scorpions, light in color, but armed with a stinger, according to the study. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025

It can be identified by looking for indicators like red soil and the presence of ants and scorpions, as well as observing animal behavior. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 10 May 2025

One evening, a young man named Francis took us on a walk and found rainbow beetles, scorpions, a possum and a three-foot-long caiman. —Toh Gouttenoire, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Glowing scorpions looked back at them, and several of them were collected and brought to the Jiroft University of Medical Science, according to the study. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 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