banana spider

noun

1

: huntsman spider sense 2

… the spider—also known as a banana spider because it is sometimes found in boxes of bananas, or a giant crab spider—may strike fear into the hearts of some people, but is harmless to humans.

—Angela Taylor and Mark Drever, Aberdeen (Scotland) Press and Journal, 21 Mar. 2003

2

: tarantula sense 2

Tarantulas once were called banana spiders because they were often found in shipments of fruit.

—Sally Bank, Calgary Herald, 30 Dec. 1995

3

: golden silk spider

Golden silk spiders are named for their golden web, but are also called banana spiders because their body is long, thin and the top side is yellow.

—Lee Belanger, News-Press (Fort Myers, Florida), 25 Mar. 2006

4

: brazilian wandering spider

Brazilian wandering spiders have been given the nickname the banana spider as they are occasionally discovered as stowaways within banana shipments.

—Matt Goerzen, Winnipeg Free Press, 8 May 2009

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now