Tarantula: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when specifically referring to a type of large, hairy spider commonly found in the Americas. Use in situations where detail about the spider species is relevant.

• The tarantula crawled slowly across the desert floor.
• She keeps a pet tarantula in a glass enclosure.

General term suitable for any member of the order Araneae, commonly used when the specific type of spider is not important or unknown.

• There was a spider climbing up the wall.
• He is afraid of spiders and often checks his room for them before sleeping.

Useful for scientific discussions or general references to the broader class of joint-legged invertebrates including spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites.

• Spiders and scorpions are both types of arachnids.
• Arachnid biology is an interesting field of study.

Apply when referring to a broader category of small, six-legged creatures such as ants, bees, and beetles. Should not be used to describe spiders as they are not insects.

• Insects like butterflies and beetles can be found in many gardens.
• She is terrified of insects, especially wasps.