Crawler: meaning, definitions and examples

Used generally in the context of software applications that browse the web in a methodical way. It is a broad term and can be used interchangeably to describe any type of automated web browsing software.

• Website administrators need to ensure their sites are friendly to crawlers for better indexing

Commonly used in the context of search engines, a spider is a specific type of crawler mainly focused on collecting content from websites to build searchable indexes.

• Google uses spiders to crawl and index web pages so they can appear in search results

A more general term that can refer to any automated software that performs tasks over the internet, not limited to web browsing. This might include chatbots, trading bots, etc.

• Many customer service websites now use bots to answer common questions and assist users

This term is used specifically for crawlers that browse the World Wide Web for the purpose of web indexing, similar to a spider but with a more explicit reference to the web.

• Developers need to be aware of web crawlers when designing their websites to ensure proper indexing by search engines

This seems to be a repetition of the word 'crawler'. 'Crawler' can also refer to someone who flatters or fawns over others to gain favors, which can have a negative connotation.

• He's such a crawler, always agreeing with the boss on everything

Used to describe someone who behaves in a weird or unsettling way, typically in a negative sense. It can also describe the action of moving slowly and carefully to avoid being noticed.

• He's a bit of a creep, always staring at people
• She had to creep quietly so as not to wake the baby

Refers to a plant that grows along the ground or up surfaces. It can also describe a person who behaves in a strange or overly attentive way that makes others uncomfortable, carrying a negative connotation.

• The ivy is a fast-growing creeper that covered the entire wall
• That guy is such a creeper, he keeps following people around

Used informally to describe something, typically an insect, that crawls and may make people feel uneasy or give them the creeps.

• I can't stand all these crawly bugs invading the house

When used twice, 'crawler, crawler' refers to a person or thing in a derogatory or humorous way, implying that they are very slow or cumbersome.

• Look at that crawler, crawler; he'll never make it up the hill at this pace.

Used to describe a baby who has just started to crawl. This term is often used in discussions about parenting and child development.

• Our crawler baby is getting into everything lately, so we had to baby-proof the house.

Similar to 'crawler baby,' but emphasizes the action of crawling. It's often used to describe a baby in the act of moving around on all fours.

• I found a cute video of a crawling baby who was exploring the living room.