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 last major fire on the Channel Islands was the Scorpion fire, which burned 1,368 acres on Santa Cruz Island in 2020. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026

All told, Drake delivered 43 new tracks (or nearly two-and-a-half hours of music) to sift through; among them are some of his best songs since Scorpion. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026

This idea continues to inform how Scorpion Coatings introduces new products and systems. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 12 May 2026

Senior Stanley Filiaga was the driving force of the Scorpions’ offense. —Dan Rios, Daily News, 10 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