centipede

noun

cen·​ti·​pede ˈsen-tə-ˌpēd 

: any of a class (Chilopoda) of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs

Illustration of centipede

Examples of centipede in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They are known to parasitize crustaceans and insects including praying mantids, beetles, crickets, and occasionally millipedes and centipedes, according to the study. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025

When their antennae were covered with foil, the centipedes were much less likely to flee from bright light. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

Centipedes Versus Millipedes Most people can’t tell the difference between a centipede and a millipede, another multi-legged creature that needs moisture to thrive. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025

Rounding out turf grass options are St. Augustine and centipede grass, both of which self-propagate by means of stolons alone. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin centipeda, from centi- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for centipede

• aniseed
• cottonseed
• disagreed
• ganymede
• guaranteed
• intercede
• overspeed
• pedigreed
• refereed
• supercede
• supersede
• underfeed

Kids Definition

centipede

noun

cen·​ti·​pede ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd 

: any of a class of long flattened arthropods that have many segments with each segment having one pair of legs except for the first segment which has a pair of poison fangs compare millipede

Etymology

from Latin centipeda "centipede," from centi- "hundred" and -peda, from ped-, pes "foot" — related to pedestrian

Medical Definition

centipede

noun

cen·​ti·​pede ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd 

: any member of the class Chilopoda of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs