arachnid
noun
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The term arachnid refers to a class of animals that includes spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks. Most arachnids have a segmented body divided into two regions, with the front part bearing four pairs of legs, but no antennae. They have a hard external skeleton and range in size from the mite, which is 0.003-in (0.08-mm) long, to the 8-in (21-cm) black scorpion of Africa. As arachnids grow, they molt, or shed their skin, several times. Arachnids are primarily carnivorous, but most are unable to digest food internally, instead they inject their prey with digestive fluids, then suck the liquefied remains. Arachnids are found worldwide in nearly every habitat. Some mites and ticks are parasitic and can carry diseases. Venomous spiders and scorpions also may pose a danger to humans, but most arachnids are harmless and prey only on insects.
Examples of arachnid in a Sentence
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
These insects and arachnids might startle you or send shivers down your spine, but there's no need to worry about these bugs—not too much, anyway.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 May 2026
Before the discovery in the Himalayas, it was believed that the happy-face arachnid existed only in Hawaii.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Metal distribution Like their spider and tick cousins, scorpions are eight-legged arachnids.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Arachnid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arachnid. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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arachnid
noun
