scorpion

noun

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

Illustration of scorpion

Illustration of scorpion
  • scorpion 1a

Examples of scorpion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Most species of scorpion inhabit desert-like climates. Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Ready for some Hocus Pocus news that's sweeter than a slice of mother's scorpion pie? EW.com, 23 Oct. 2023 Somehow, though, the TBS reality series accomplished the difficult task of making a dating show set among snakes and scorpions boring. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 29 Nov. 2023 Jesus Rivera directed the day’s cosmic live broadcast on YouTube, clad in a burgundy tracksuit and white fedora, a scorpion ring on his right hand. Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2024 The cat shatters the fourth wall, as cats will; Sol receives a goldfish named Nugget, which doesn’t bode well; a shy scorpion scurries into a crack; and the end credits are punctuated by drawings of various creatures. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2024 Your heart has no depths, like the scorpion who crawls to the bottom of the ocean. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 5 Dec. 2023 The bikini bottoms and one-piece swimsuits are connected by a fitting silver scorpion emblem. Essence, 20 Nov. 2023 Pinpointed as one of Whole Foods Market’s 2024 Top 10 Food Trend Predictions, the retailer’s Trend Council reveals that scorpion, guajillo, Hungarian goathorn, and other global peppers are about to start popping up in every aisle—including the drink section. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scorpion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near scorpion

Cite this Entry

“Scorpion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scorpion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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