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

And yet his flair for provocation persists in the film’s scorpion sting of a coda, which brings forth a new interpretation of László’s legacy: one that essentially recasts his work as stealth propaganda, a Zionist Trojan horse. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2024

Despite its diminutive size, the island provides habitat for many creatures—including brown boobies, the Sombrero Island bee, a pygmy gecko and the Sombrero Island wind scorpion. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

Insects such as ants, bees, and beetles create burrows, just as arachnids like spiders and scorpions do. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

This timepiece draws inspiration from the scorpion, with the retrograde minutes hand mimicking the arachnid's stinger, delivering a sharp and rapid reset at the end of each hour. —Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

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