scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən How to pronounce scorpion (audio)
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

Illustration of scorpion
  • scorpion 1a

Examples of scorpion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Related Articles Jenner joined her daughter in an equally dramatic look, sporting a black and white velvet hooded cape with two scorpions embroidered across the chest. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026 Seventeen of the proteins passed muster, collectively binding to four of the five scorpion toxins the team had hoped to target. — Robert Hart, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026 The strongest candidates attached to a Mexican scorpion toxin with single-digit nanomolar affinity, indicating a tight molecular interaction. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 In the Season 2 trailer, which was released on October 7, Kardashian’s character Allura Grant is seen wearing a black velvet hood with giant rhinestone scorpion embellishments on the front. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scorpion

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scorpion was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing scorpion

Browse Nearby Words

Scorpioidea
scorpion
scorpion's-tail
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scorpion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scorpion. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scorpion

noun
scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən How to pronounce scorpion (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce scorpion (audio)
: any of an order (Scorpiones) of arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip

More from Merriam-Webster on scorpion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scorpion

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