tarantula
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.”
How to use tarantula
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big, hairy spider, often kept as an exotic pet despite its intimidating look.
Word forms
tarantulas plural, tarantulae plural
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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