orb weaver

noun

: any of a family (Araneidae) of spiders that have eight similar eyes and typically spin a large elaborate wheel-shaped flat web and that includes large or brightly colored spiders (genera Araneus and Argiope) found in gardens

Examples of orb weaver in a Sentence

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The crew spotted an orb weaver spider acting in an unusual manner, suggesting something had altered its behavior. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025 Earlier this year, USA Today reported that orb weaver spiders also have another interesting skill: Trapping a firefly and using its glowing bulb to attract even more insects. — Jenny Porter Tilley, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orb weaver was in 1883

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“Orb weaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orb%20weaver. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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