scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən 

1

a

: any of an order (Scorpionida) of nocturnal arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip

b

capitalized : 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

While there are about 2,800 species of scorpions, there is only one in the U.S. that's dangerous to humans, according to the University of Arizona Health Sciences: the Arizona bark scorpion. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 July 2025

Near the entrance, there's a bio-active tank of live scorpions that are decidedly not for eating. —Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

In this case, the team explored scorpion venom for potential bioactive molecules—substances that affect living tissues in a beneficial way, such as fighting infections or cancer. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

One evening, a young man named Francis took us on a walk and found rainbow beetles, scorpions, a possum and a 3-foot-long caiman. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 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 (Scorpionida) of arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip