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

Officials did not have any further information on if the scorpion has been located. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

Understanding Imagination Underneath Anxiety In the study, scientists devised a scenario where rats would have to encounter something very negative to them — a scary Lego robot scorpion — to reach a treat. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025

In fact, Big Bend has more kinds of birds, butterflies, bats, scorpions, and ants, than any other national park in the U.S. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2025

Snakes, spiders, scorpions and cone snails have been among the natural celebrities that have garnered the most research attention so far. —Ivan Amato, Scientific American, 30 Jan. 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