spider web: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; 'cobweb' is more common for abandoned webs in everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “spider web” mean?
The intricate, silken structure built by a spider to catch prey.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The intricate, silken structure built by a spider to catch prey.
Any complex, interconnected network or system resembling a spider's web; a tangled or intricate situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'spider web'. 'Cobweb' is equally common in both for abandoned webs. 'Web' alone is frequently used.
Connotations
Neutral biological term. Metaphorical use ('web of lies') is common in both.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in literal contexts; British English may slightly prefer 'cobweb' for the abandoned structure.
Grammar
How to Use “spider web” in a Sentence
The spider spun a web.The fly was trapped in the web.A web was built between the branches.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spider web” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The garden spider will carefully web up the corner of the shed.
American English
- The barn spider webbed the entire doorway overnight.
adjective
British English
- The spider-web lace on the dress was incredibly delicate.
American English
- He was fascinated by the spider-web pattern of cracks in the old concrete.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorically for 'network of contacts' or 'complex supply chain'.
Academic
Used in biology/zoology. Metaphorically in social sciences for 'network theory'.
Everyday
Common when discussing spiders, gardens, or old houses. Metaphors for complicated situations.
Technical
Specific in arachnology. Also in IT ('web crawler') but derived from 'World Wide Web'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spider web”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spider web”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spider web”
- Using 'spiderweb' as one word (acceptable but less common than two).
- Confusing 'spider web' (structure) with 'web' (abbreviation for World Wide Web).
- Saying 'spider net'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'spider web' and 'spiderweb' are accepted, but the two-word form is more common in edited writing.
A 'spider web' is the general structure. A 'cobweb' specifically refers to an old, dusty, abandoned spider web, often seen in unused corners.
Yes, though it's less common. 'To web' or 'to spider-web' means to cover or fill with webs or web-like structures.
Yes, it directly draws from the imagery of a spider's web as something intricate, sticky, and difficult to escape from.
The intricate, silken structure built by a spider to catch prey.
Spider web is usually neutral to informal; 'cobweb' is more common for abandoned webs in everyday speech. in register.
Spider web: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪ.də ˌweb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪ.dɚ ˌweb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Weave a web of deceit”
- “Caught in a web of lies”
- “A tangled web”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Spider-Man shooting webs. A spider's WEB is Where Everything's Bound.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEXITY IS A WEB; DECEPTION IS A WEB; INTERCONNECTEDNESS IS A WEB.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most appropriate for a dusty, abandoned web in an attic?