-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
centipede
noun
cen·ti·pede
ˈsen-tə-ˌpēd
: any of a class (Chilopoda) of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs
Examples of centipede in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Arthropods are invertebrate animals that today include insects, spiders, crustaceans, centipedes and millipedes—and Lomankus edgecombei belonged to an extinct subgroup of these creatures called megacheirans.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
There are centipedes that crawl across the screen, accompanied by the subtle, chilling sound of one hundred legs moving.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2024
Burrows are also known among birds, crustaceans, centipedes and millipedes, and certain vertebrates like alligators and lizards.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024
Scientists hadn’t been sure whether to place it among the millipedes or the centipedes.
—Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for centipede
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.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near centipede
Cite this Entry
“Centipede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centipede. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
centipede
noun
cen·ti·pede
ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd
: any of a class of long flattened arthropods that have many segments with each segment having one pair of legs except for the first segment which has a pair of poison fangs compare millipede
Etymology
from Latin centipeda "centipede," from centi- "hundred" and -peda, from ped-, pes "foot" — related to pedestrian
Medical Definition
centipede
noun
cen·ti·pede
ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd
: any member of the class Chilopoda of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs
More from Merriam-Webster on centipede
Nglish: Translation of centipede for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about centipede
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share