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

This season, Roseberry continued his mission with a haute couture collection that featured replica reptilian textures, protruding tusk breasts, scorpion bustiers and a translucent two-piece skirt suit rendered in hyperreal blowfish scales. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026

After Scorpions changed labels — to Harvest Records in Europe and Mercury in North America — Lovedrive arrived in early 1979 and began to get airplay in the group’s homeland. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026

For All the Dogs, Thank Me Later, Scorpion, More Life, Nothing Was the Same, and Her Loss, a collaboration with 21 Savage, make a home on the Billboard 200. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Other animals living inside the cave include centipedes, terrestrial isopods (roly-polies), pseudoscorpions, mites, scorpions, and beetles, among others, according to the researchers. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 18 Nov. 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 (Scorpiones) of arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip