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: a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth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
Like any oil, neem oil can cause plant foliage to burn up in the sun, so keep that in mind when applying.
Uses For Neem Oil
Neem oil can be used in the garden and on houseplants for many common pests, such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, caterpillars, leaf miners, and more.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
The hazards don’t end with frogs — scorpions, bats and spiders are regular visitors, and Wendy has learned to shake out her boots each morning to avoid surprises.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 22 May 2025
According to the University of Vermont Extension, marigolds emit a scent that deters aphids, while garlic can repel spider mites — both common cannabis pests.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
Testing their ability to parse through patchy visual information, the puzzles prompted participants to identify ambiguous black-and-white images of objects and of animals, such as snakes, snails, and spiders.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 16 May 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.
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
The hazards don’t end with frogs — scorpions, bats and spiders are regular visitors, and Wendy has learned to shake out her boots each morning to avoid surprises.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 22 May 2025
According to the University of Vermont Extension, marigolds emit a scent that deters aphids, while garlic can repel spider mites — both common cannabis pests.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
Testing their ability to parse through patchy visual information, the puzzles prompted participants to identify ambiguous black-and-white images of objects and of animals, such as snakes, snails, and spiders.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 16 May 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 5 Jun. 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