water spider

noun

1
a
or water spinner : an aquatic European spider (Argyoneta aquatica) that constructs beneath the surface of the water a bell-shaped structure of silk which is open beneath and filled with air carried down by the spider in the form of small bubbles
b
: any of various spiders that habitually live on or about the water
especially : a large American spider (Dolomedes sexpunctatus) that runs rapidly on the surface of water
2

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near water spider

Cite this Entry

“Water spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20spider. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!