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

Islamic graffiti identified as part of the project includes an inscription, and a drawing of a scorpion, that honor the Sufi cleric Sheikh al-ʿAǧamī, who was appointed to serve as the first religious overseer of Ottoman Jerusalem. —Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

For David Blaine Do Not Attempt, a six-part series on National Geographic, he’s been covered in venomous scorpions and swallowed lethal amounts of water (that stunt under the tutelage of Takeru Kobayashi, onetime king of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest). —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025

According to the Mayo Clinic, scorpion stings are painful, though rarely life-threatening. —Greg Wehner, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025

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