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

When talking about their ending, Oppenheimer references the fable of the Scorpion and the Frog — Stephen, the scorpion, was always going to sting her. —Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026

Even the more terrifying creatures, like rattlesnakes and scorpions, have their own undeniable, deadly beauty. —Becky Bartkowski, AZCentral.com, 14 Feb. 2026

Foul and stinging, Clunes plays his abusive patriarch like a scorpion pickled in tequila. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

There are no snakes, no venomous spiders, no large predators like wild cats or monkeys, and no scorpions. —James Barrett, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 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