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

Instead, this concrete sealant bonds to masonry to fill crevices and prevent centipedes, roaches, spiders, earwigs, and more from using your basement as a cozy retreat from winter weather. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Hoorne plays Woranart, a grandmother in her 80s whose youthful looks conceal a centipede spirit searching for a new host, with Oui (Baipor Thitiya Jirapornsilp), the family’s youngest member, emerging as her likely target. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

More specifically, insects are invertebrates (animals without backbones) and are part of the arthropod phylum, which also includes spiders, crabs, and centipedes. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Reducing humidity around the home is also key, so that centipedes aren’t lured to those environments. — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

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