cobwebs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral (used in both informal and formal contexts)
Quick answer
What does “cobwebs” mean?
Webs spun by spiders, especially old, dusty ones found in neglected corners of rooms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Webs spun by spiders, especially old, dusty ones found in neglected corners of rooms.
Used metaphorically for anything that is old, stale, unclear, or needs clearing away—such as dusty memories, unclear thinking, or neglected problems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences; both use 'cobwebs' identically. Minor difference in compound terms: 'cobwebby' (adjective) slightly more common in BrE.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency; idiom 'blow away the cobwebs' slightly more established in BrE but understood in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “cobwebs” in a Sentence
[verb] + away/off + the cobwebsclear the cobwebs from + [noun]be covered in cobwebshave cobwebs in + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cobwebs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She spent the morning cobwebbing the cellar.
- I need to cobweb the attic before the guests arrive.
American English
- He cobwebbed the garage to prepare for the sale.
- We should cobweb the basement this weekend.
adverb
British English
- The curtains hung cobwebbily from the rail.
- He spoke cobwebbily, as if half-asleep.
American English
- The decorations were draped cobwebbily across the ceiling.
- She moved cobwebbily through the old routine.
adjective
British English
- The room had a cobwebby chandelier.
- He gave a cobwebby explanation that confused everyone.
American English
- The corner looked cobwebby and neglected.
- Her cobwebby memories of the event were unclear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'We need to clear the cobwebs from our outdated strategy.'
Academic
Rare in literal sense; occasionally used in historical texts or metaphorically in psychology (e.g., 'cognitive cobwebs').
Everyday
Common in domestic contexts ('The attic is full of cobwebs') and in the idiom for refreshment.
Technical
Not typical; in arachnology, 'spider web' or 'web' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cobwebs”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cobwebs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cobwebs”
- Using 'cobweb' as a countable singular for a new spider web (incorrect—'cobweb' implies old/dusty). Confusing 'cobwebs' with 'webs' in technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Cobweb' specifically refers to an old, dusty spider web, often found indoors and abandoned. A fresh web spun by a spider is usually called a 'spider web' or simply 'web'.
No, it is often used metaphorically. For example, 'mental cobwebs' means confused or stale thoughts, and 'blow away the cobwebs' means to refresh your mind or body.
Yes, both singular 'cobweb' and plural 'cobwebs' are used. 'Cobwebs' is more common as webs are often multiple.
There is no significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word identically, though the idiom 'blow away the cobwebs' is slightly more established in British English.
Webs spun by spiders, especially old, dusty ones found in neglected corners of rooms.
Cobwebs is usually neutral (used in both informal and formal contexts) in register.
Cobwebs: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒbwebz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːbwebz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow away the cobwebs (to refresh oneself, especially with fresh air or activity)”
- “have cobwebs in the attic (to be slow-thinking or forgetful)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an old COB (a round loaf) covered in dusty webs—COB+WEBS. It's old and needs cleaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEGLECT IS DUSTY COBWEBS; MENTAL CONFUSION IS COBWEBS IN THE MIND; FRESH THINKING IS CLEARING COBWEBS.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'blow away the cobwebs' typically mean?