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: a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth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
The webs of most spiders, though intricate and carefully designed, appear to exist for utilitarian purposes and serve no evaluative or communicative function.
—
Shawn Simpson, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Crouching spider, good vibrations Ars Video The first spider robot model didn't really move or change its posture; it was designed to sense vibrations in the synthetic web.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025
Humans may be instinctively wired to react more negatively to cockroaches than to snakes or spiders—creatures that, objectively, pose a far greater threat to our survival.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
The class schedule focuses on birds March 8, insects and spiders on March 15, Native American beadwork on March 22 and the spring thaw on March 29.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spider
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Shawn Simpson, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Crouching spider, good vibrations Ars Video The first spider robot model didn't really move or change its posture; it was designed to sense vibrations in the synthetic web.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025
Humans may be instinctively wired to react more negatively to cockroaches than to snakes or spiders—creatures that, objectively, pose a far greater threat to our survival.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
The class schedule focuses on birds March 8, insects and spiders on March 15, Native American beadwork on March 22 and the spring thaw on March 29.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 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 23 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share