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: a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth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
They're carried around by giant mechanical spiders, sometimes seen scuttling through the bowels of Jabba's Palace.
—
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
They can also be used in the garden to boost nitrogen levels in your soil and deter pests like spiders.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
Why are so few spiders harmful to humans?
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Today, there are more than 120,000 living chelicerate species, including spiders and horseshoe crabs.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spider
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Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
They can also be used in the garden to boost nitrogen levels in your soil and deter pests like spiders.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
Why are so few spiders harmful to humans?
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Today, there are more than 120,000 living chelicerate species, including spiders and horseshoe crabs.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026
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 Apr. 2026.
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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