web

¹web

noun \ˈweb\

Definition of WEB

1

: a fabric on a loom or in process of being removed from a loom

2

a : cobweb, spiderweb b : a network of silken thread spun especially by the larvae of various insects (as a tent caterpillar) and usually serving as a nest or shelter

3

: a tissue or membrane of an animal or plant; especially : that uniting fingers or toes either at their bases (as in humans) or for a greater part of their length (as in many waterbirds)

4

a : a thin metal sheet, plate, or strip b : the plate connecting the upper and lower flanges of a girder or rail c : the arm of a crank

5

: something resembling a web: a : snare, entanglement <a web of intrigue> <ensnarled in a web of folly — D. A. Stockman> b : an intricate pattern or structure suggestive of something woven : network

6

: the series of barbs on each side of the shaft of a feather : vane

7

a : a continuous sheet of paper manufactured or undergoing manufacture on a paper machine b : a roll of paper for use in a rotary printing press

8

: the part of a ribbed vault between the ribs

9

capitalized : world wide web

— webbed \ˈwebd\ adjective

— web·like \ˈweb-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of WEB

1. I spent the afternoon surfing the Web.
2. The spider was spinning its web.

Origin of WEB

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old Norse vefr web, Old English wefan to weave

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WEB

Synonyms: entanglement, mesh(es), morass, net, noose, quagmire, quicksand, snare, tanglement, toil(s), trap

Related Words: knot, snarl, tangle; cat's cradle, labyrinth, maze; cobweb, spiderweb

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Insect Terms

drone, entomology, gadfly, pismire, proboscis, vespine

Rhymes with WEB

bleb, deb, ebb, neb, pleb, reb, Reb