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: a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth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
When the spiders start transitioning out too quickly and too often, they’re retired.
—
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025
The smaller wasp quickly stings the spider, injecting its powerful venom that does not kill but permanently paralyzes it.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
These minute pests, which are related to spiders and ticks, are more bothersome than anything else.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2025
Using a spider skimmer, transfer the pig ears to a cutting board, cut crosswise into ¼-inch slices, and transfer to a platter.
—Jessica Liang, Saveur, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spider
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Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025
The smaller wasp quickly stings the spider, injecting its powerful venom that does not kill but permanently paralyzes it.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
These minute pests, which are related to spiders and ticks, are more bothersome than anything else.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2025
Using a spider skimmer, transfer the pig ears to a cutting board, cut crosswise into ¼-inch slices, and transfer to a platter.
—Jessica Liang, Saveur, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spider
Cite this Entry
“Spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spider. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
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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