1
a
: any of an order (Araneae synonym Araneida) of arachnids having a short, usually unsegmented abdomen linked to the cephalothorax by the pedicel, chelicerae modified into poison fangs, and two or more pairs of spinnerets at the posterior end of the abdomen for spinning threads of silk for various uses (as in making cocoons for their eggs or webs to catch prey)
Note: Spiders are further characterized by leglike pedipalps near the mouth, usually eight simple eyes, and book lungs or tracheae in the abdomen.
b
: any of various other arthropods and especially arachnids that resemble the true spiders
—not used technically
2
: a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth
3
: any of various devices consisting of a frame or skeleton with radiating arms or members
Examples of spider in a Sentence
We watched the spider spin its web.
Recent Examples on the Web
Although Caladenia orchids tend to exist as loners, rather than in clonal colonies, spider orchids thrive in the biodiverse forests of Western Australia.
—
Liz Lindqwister, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2024
There are also representations of the largest spider and largest rodent in the world.
—Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2024
This reduces hiding places for spiders and their prey.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024
Plants manufacture these compounds, and birds eating either the plant directly (like its berries) or indirectly (insects that ate the plant, or spiders that ate insects) help support their health and ability to attract a mate.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for spider 
Liz Lindqwister, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2024
There are also representations of the largest spider and largest rodent in the world.
—Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2024
This reduces hiding places for spiders and their prey.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024
Plants manufacture these compounds, and birds eating either the plant directly (like its berries) or indirectly (insects that ate the plant, or spiders that ate insects) help support their health and ability to attract a mate.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for spider
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spider.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near spider
Cite this Entry
“Spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spider. Accessed 16 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spider
noun
spi·der
ˈspīd-ər 
1
: any of an order of arachnids that have two or more pairs of abdominal organs for spinning threads of silk used in making cocoons for their eggs, nests for themselves, or webs for catching their prey
2
: a cast-iron frying pan
Medical Definition
spider
noun
spi·der
ˈspīd-ər
1
: any of an order (Araneae synonym Araneida) of arachnids having a body with two main divisions, four pairs of walking legs, and two or more pairs of abdominal spinnerets for spinning threads of silk used especially in making webs for catching prey
2
: spider nevus
an arterial spider
3
: an obstruction in the teat of a cow
especially
: a small irregular horny growth resulting from irritation or bruising
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