What does "scorpion" mean?
Any of various arachnids of the order Scorpiones, related to the spiders, characterised by two large front pincers and a curved tail with a venomous sting in the end.
Scorpion
/ˈskɔɹ.pi.ən/ adj, name, noun
adj, name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Any of various arachnids of the order Scorpiones, related to the spiders, characterised by two large front pincers and a curved tail with a venomous sting in the end.
- Grammar: scorpion is listed as adj, name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: arachnid, arachnid, arthropod, beetle.
- Useful contrasts: benign actor, benign arachnid, harmless arachnid.
- Usage evidence: Some learned writers have compared a Scorpion to an Epigram, because as the sting of the Scorpion lyeth in the tayl, so the force and virtue of an epigram is in the conclusion.
How to use "scorpion"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "scorpion" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "scorpion" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "scorpion" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "scorpion" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "scorpion" is acting as adj, name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "arachnid" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "scorpion", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any of various arachnids of the order Scorpiones, related to the spiders, characterised by two large front pincers and a curved tail with a venomous sting in the end.
"Who led thee through that great and terrible wildernesse, wherein were fierie serpents, and scorpions, & drought, where there was no water, who brought thee foorth water out of the rocke of flint,"
- 2 Someone with the Scorpio star sign.
"No racketting around and cocktail parties for those born under the influence of the Water-carrier and the Archer. No nylons for Scorpions."
- 3 arachnid of warm dry regions having a long segmented tail ending in a venomous stinger wordnet
- 4 An ancient military engine for hurling stones and other missiles. historical
- 5 (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Scorpio wordnet
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 A very spiteful or vindictive person. figuratively
- 7 A cheerleading move in which one foot is pulled back and held up with both hands while the performer stands on the other foot.
- 8 A whip with points like a scorpion's tail. obsolete
"And now whereas my father did lade you with a heauy yoke, I wil adde to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whippes, but I will chastise you with scorpions."
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to the Scorpio star sign. not-comparable
Proper Noun
- 1 The constellation and zodiacal sign Scorpius.
"And now thir way to Earth they had descri'd, / To Paradise first tending, when behold / Satan in likeness of an Angel bright / Betwixt the Centaure and the Scorpion stearing / His Zenith, while the Sun in Aries rose […]"
Antonyms
benign actorbenign arachnidharmless arachnidharmless being
Example
"Some learned writers have compared a Scorpion to an Epigram, because as the sting of the Scorpion lyeth in the tayl, so the force and virtue of an epigram is in the conclusion."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "scorpion"?
Common synonyms include: arachnid, arachnid, arthropod, beetle, bug, caterpillar.
How do you use "scorpion" in a sentence?
Some learned writers have compared a Scorpion to an Epigram, because as the sting of the Scorpion lyeth in the tayl, so the force and virtue of an epigram is in the conclusion.
How do you pronounce "scorpion"?
Pronounced /ˈskɔɹ.pi.ən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English scorpioun, skorpioun, schorpion, schorpiun, partly from Old English sċorpio and partly from Anglo-Norman scorpïun, Old French scorpïon, escorpïon; all from Latin scorpiō, ultimately from Ancient Greek σκορπίος (skorpíos). The cheerleading move is so called because of the resemblance of the raised foot to a scorpion's stinger.
Etymology 2
From the animal scorpion, from Latin scorpio (“scorpion”).