spider mite

noun

: any of various small web-spinning mites (family Tetranychidae) that include destructive pests of plants

called also red spider

Examples of spider mite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Especially those that thrive in hot, dry weather, like spider mites. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 June 2025

Groups of spider mites weave themselves up with silk into a ball that can be carried to distant frontiers on the wind. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 5 June 2025

Previously, researchers had only observed slime molds, fire ants and spider mites naturally assemble into such structures. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025

In This Article How To Identify Spider Mites Understanding Spider Mites How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites If your once-vigorous plant is starting to look sickly, spider mites may be the culprits. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spider mite

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Kids Definition

spider mite

noun

: any of various mites that spin webs and include some that attack plants

called also red spider