spidery

adjective

spi·​dery ˈspī-də-rē 

1

a

: resembling a spider in form or manner

b

: resembling a spiderweb

spidery handwriting

especially : composed of fine threads or lines in a weblike arrangement

spidery lace

2

: infested with spiders

Examples of spidery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With spidery legs and a chunky profile, the module, dubbed Spider, was all function, no form — the ideal machine to land on the moon. —Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2019

Pelargonium 'Graffiti White' is a heat-loving selection with spidery white flowers on a plant that grows 14 inches tall. —Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Dec. 2022

These ragged, spidery clouds began appearing in the late 1800s, and their increasing frequency and geographic spread are believed to be a marker for climate change. —Caroline Barlott, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2016

Recently, scientists studying Lucy’s cells determined that her astrocytes — spidery nerve cells critical for cellular communication — may be actively killing her neurons. —Erin Allday, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

spidery

adjective

spi·​dery ˈspīd-ə-rē 

1

: resembling a spider

also : long and thin like the legs of a spider

2

: resembling a spiderweb

spidery handwriting

spidery lace

3

: full of spiders