daddy-longlegs

or dad·dy long·legs

[ dad-ee-lawng-legz, -long- ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

1. Also called harvestman. any of numerous spiderlike arachnids of the order Opiliones, having a compact rounded body and extremely long, slender legs.
2. British. a crane fly.

daddy-longlegs

noun

1. an informal name for a crane fly
2. an informal name for harvestman

Word History and Origins

Origin of daddy-longlegs¹

First recorded in 1805–15; daddy + long ¹ + leg + -s ³

Example Sentences

These findings suggest that the neural architecture that handles the daddy longlegs’ vision may be quite old.

From New York Times

According to Mercedes Burns, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County who studies arachnid reproduction, these muscles are reminiscent of those of the daddy longlegs spider.

From New York Times

These contraptions look like daddy longlegs with tiny hooks at each foot to hold them in place in the vein.

From New York Times

These arachnids, sometimes called daddy longlegs, are cousins of spiders whose outdoorsy lifestyle sets them apart from the other creatures called daddy longlegs, which are more properly known as cellar spiders.

From New York Times

If there’s one defining trait of daddy longlegs, it has to be their legs.

From Science Magazine

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