trapdoor spider

noun

variants or trap-door spider
plural trapdoor spiders or trap-door spiders
: any of various often large burrowing mygalomorph spiders (especially family Ctenizidae) that construct a tubular subterranean silk-lined nest topped with a hinged lid
Trapdoor spiders dig burrows using a spiny rake mounted on their jaws, then line the burrow and the opening with silk.Richard and Joyce Wolkomir
Tarantulas, trap-door spiders, and some other species still use their silk mainly for shelter …Richard Conniff

Illustration of trapdoor spider

Illustration of trapdoor spider
  • trap-door spider

Examples of trapdoor spider in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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These observations add to the limited literature on Bungulla trapdoor spiders. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trapdoor spider was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Trapdoor spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trapdoor%20spider. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

trap-door spider

noun
: any of various spiders that build silk-lined underground nests topped with a hinged lid
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