spidery

adjective

spi·​dery ˈspī-də-rē 

1

a

: resembling a spider in form or manner

b

: resembling a spiderweb

spidery handwriting

especially : composed of fine threads or lines in a weblike arrangement

spidery lace

2

: infested with spiders

Examples of spidery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The original model walked with a spidery cat-eye that would have been considered bold. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 2 Feb. 2025

Pelargonium 'Graffiti White' is a heat-loving selection with spidery white flowers on a plant that grows 14 inches tall. — Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Dec. 2022

Recently, scientists studying Lucy’s cells determined that her astrocytes — spidery nerve cells critical for cellular communication — may be actively killing her neurons. — Erin Allday, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Nov. 2022

The spidery lines of the reassembled pane are a careful worker’s diary of its destruction and reconstruction — and not a bad metaphor for the arc of Korean history in the 20th century. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

spidery

adjective

spi·​dery ˈspīd-ə-rē 

1

: resembling a spider

also : long and thin like the legs of a spider

2

: resembling a spiderweb

spidery handwriting

spidery lace

3

: full of spiders