1
a
: any of an order (Araneae synonym Araneida) of arachnids having a short, usually unsegmented abdomen linked to the cephalothorax by the pedicel, chelicerae modified into poison fangs, and two or more pairs of spinnerets at the posterior end of the abdomen for spinning threads of silk for various uses (as in making cocoons for their eggs or webs to catch prey)
Note: Spiders are further characterized by leglike pedipalps near the mouth, usually eight simple eyes, and book lungs or tracheae in the abdomen.
b
: any of various other arthropods and especially arachnids that resemble the true spiders
—not used technically
2
: a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth
3
: any of various devices consisting of a frame or skeleton with radiating arms or members
Examples of spider in a Sentence
We watched the spider spin its web.
Recent Examples on the Web
Its appearance may belie the truth, but this is not the demonic, screeching spider chasing people down that freaked you out in the movie Arachnophobia.
—
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Ticks are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that belong to the arachnid family, related to spiders and scorpions rather than being insects.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 May 2026
In order to discourage spiders from gathering in and around your home, Malone recommends reducing outdoor lighting.
—Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 29 May 2026
Of more than 700 spider species in North Carolina, these two are the only ones that will cause any medical concern, Sarah Stellwagen, a spider biologist at UNC Charlotte said.
—Eva Flowe
may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spider
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Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Ticks are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that belong to the arachnid family, related to spiders and scorpions rather than being insects.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 May 2026
In order to discourage spiders from gathering in and around your home, Malone recommends reducing outdoor lighting.
—Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 29 May 2026
Of more than 700 spider species in North Carolina, these two are the only ones that will cause any medical concern, Sarah Stellwagen, a spider biologist at UNC Charlotte said.
—Eva Flowe
may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spider
Cite this Entry
“Spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spider. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spider
noun
spi·der
ˈspīd-ər 
1
: any of an order of arachnids that have two or more pairs of abdominal organs for spinning threads of silk used in making cocoons for their eggs, nests for themselves, or webs for catching their prey
2
: a cast-iron frying pan
Medical Definition
spider
noun
spi·der
ˈspīd-ər
1
: any of an order (Araneae synonym Araneida) of arachnids having a body with two main divisions, four pairs of walking legs, and two or more pairs of abdominal spinnerets for spinning threads of silk used especially in making webs for catching prey
2
: spider nevus
an arterial spider
3
: an obstruction in the teat of a cow
especially
: a small irregular horny growth resulting from irritation or bruising
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