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cobwebs

British  
/ ˈkɒbˌwɛbz /

plural noun

  1. mustiness, confusion, or obscurity

  2. informal stickiness of the eyelids experienced upon first awakening

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The room, indeed, appeared spooky and abandoned with cobwebs and Fey wearing a robe made out of Paddington, which she said she got after hosting “SNL UK” last month.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

"And when we added the methyl groups back to the genes, they turned off again. So, these compounds aren't cobwebs -- they're anchors."

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

For now, though, investors should prepare to shake off the cobwebs over tech stocks, according to Newton.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 24, 2025

She plans to sweep away the cobwebs and inject warmth and life into a farm mired in portentous dialogue and unmentionable secrets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Spit strings dangled like cobwebs, and Grandpop’s smile was in the palm of his hand.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds