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

Late in the evening on July 14, look low in the southern sky for a group of stars shaped like a big hook or scorpion tail (aka Scorpius). — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 July 2026

Arachnids, including spiders (most common varieties) and scorpions. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Scorpions, snakes and cockroaches were on the lounge chairs with the Grim Reaper serving a drink. — Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

The Milky Way passes through the lower extremities of the Scorpion. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 26 June 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