scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən 

1

a

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

b

Scorpion : 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

Shooting on location meant dealing with typhoons, scorpions and snakes, and working with kids meant shorter work days. —Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

Mapping the weapons Campbell’s team focused on 18 scorpion taxa selected from a large collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026

Metal distribution Like their spider and tick cousins, scorpions are eight-legged arachnids. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Apr. 2026

Interactive, live displays with tarantulas, scorpions, and butterflies -- if that sounds like a swarming good time, head down to the Riverside Insect Fair on Saturday, April 25. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

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 (Scorpiones) of arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip