noun
tarantula
tuh-RAN-chuu-luh
Tarantula (noun) means a large, hairy spider found mainly in the tropics and warmer regions of the Americas. Example: “The zoo's reptile house kept a tarantula in a glass tank.”
noun
1
A large, hairy spider found mainly in the tropics and warmer regions of the Americas.
"The zoo's reptile house kept a tarantula in a glass tank."
How to use tarantula
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big, hairy spider, often kept as an exotic pet despite its intimidating look.
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Word forms
- Plural
- tarantulas, tarantulae
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The zoo's reptile house kept a _____ in a glass tank.
Etymology
From Old Italian tarantola, named after Taranto in southern Italy, where a species of wolf spider was once believed — wrongly — to cause a frenzied urge to dance when it bit someone.
Rhymes for tarantula
See all rhymes for tarantula →Frequently asked questions
What does “tarantula” mean?
The word “tarantula” means a large, hairy spider found mainly in the tropics and warmer regions of the Americas. In plain terms, a big, hairy spider, often kept as an exotic pet despite its intimidating look.
How do you pronounce “tarantula”?
“Tarantula” is pronounced tuh-RAN-chuu-luh (/təˈɹæn.t͡ʃə.lə/ in IPA).
How do you use “tarantula” in a sentence?
Here is “tarantula” used in a sentence: “The zoo's reptile house kept a tarantula in a glass tank.”
What part of speech is “tarantula”?
“Tarantula” is a noun.
Where does the word “tarantula” come from?
The word “tarantula” comes from Italian. From Old Italian tarantola, named after Taranto in southern Italy, where a species of wolf spider was once believed — wrongly — to cause a frenzied urge to dance when it bit someone.
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