centipede
Americannoun
noun
-
Any of various flattened, wormlike arthropods of the class Chilopoda, whose bodies are divided into many segments, each with one pair of legs. The front legs are modified into venomous pincers used to catch prey.
-
Compare millipede
Other Word Forms
- centipedal adjective
Etymology
Origin of centipede
From the Latin word centipeda, dating back to 1595–1605. See centi-, -pede
Compare meaning
How does centipede compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A centipede is a poisonous bug with many tiny legs. If you can bring yourself to look closely at a centipede, you'll see its body is divided into segments, each having one pair of legs. Most people assume that centipedes are insects, but they're actually arthropods, tiny invertebrate animals with exoskeletons and segmented bodies — and a seriously squicky number of legs. The profusion of little legs is what gives the centipede its name; the Latin is centipeda, "many-footed arthropod," from centum, "hundred," and pedis, "foot." Despite their name, centipedes can have anywhere from 30 to over 300 legs.
Vocabulary lists containing centipede
Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: cent
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
cent (hundred), mill (thousand)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
ped, pod (foot)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Since replacing windows can cost enough arms and legs to make a human centipede, it’s worth looking into adding interior insulating layers to your existing windows.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025
Machado notes that in arthropods, a group that includes the centipede, maternal care is associated with rough conditions.
From Salon • May 11, 2025
"I had never seen anything like it before. After asking my co-workers, we figured out it was a house centipede," she said.
From BBC • May 10, 2025
And despite having an elaborate, curling centipede inked on his face and neck, he’s crestfallen that Bailey would let a friend cut off her locks before the big day.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2024
The chicken made straight for the bed, and Seth tossed his other handful of salt in a wide arc to cover their retreat, scalding the flying centipede in the process.
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
