A2noun1K

Spider

UK /["/ˈspaɪdə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈspaɪdər/"]/

Definition

a small creature with eight thin legs. Many spiders spin webs to catch insects for food.

In simple words: An eight-legged creature that catches insects.

Examples

  • a poisonous spider
  • She stared in horror at the hairy black spider.
  • In the film, giant spiders attack a town in Arizona.
  • I was bitten by a spider.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both written and spoken English. It's appropriate in educational and casual settings. Avoid using in overly formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'spider' as 'spinning de webs'.

Collocations

  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • make a web
  • spin a web
  • weave a web
  • silk
  • web
  • a spider’s web

Synonyms

  • arachnid
  • bug
  • creature
  • insect
  • pest

Antonyms

  • prey
  • insect

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'cobweb' which refers to the web, not the spider.
  • Using 'spiders' as a singular noun.
  • Saying 'the spider is' instead of 'the spider was' for past events.