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
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Insects and arachnids—these are animals.
—Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
It Real Bracelet We may be creeped out by living spiders, but faux arachnids certainly make for gorgeous jewelry.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Others expressed disbelief at Olla’s calmness while the arachnid crept across her outfit.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Arachnid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arachnid. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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arachnid
noun
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