tarantula

[ tuh-ran-chuh-luh ]

noun

, plural ta·ran·tu·las, ta·ran·tu·lae [t, uh, -, ran, -ch, uh, -lee].

1. any of several large, hairy spiders of the family Theraphosidae, as Aphonopelma chalcodes, of the southwestern U.S., having a painful but not highly venomous bite.
2. any of various related spiders.
3. a large wolf spider, Lycosa tarantula, of southern Europe, having a bite once thought to be the cause of tarantism.

tarantula

/ təˈræntjʊlə /

noun

1. any of various large hairy mostly tropical spiders of the American family Theraphosidae
2. a large hairy spider, Lycosa tarentula of S Europe, the bite of which was formerly thought to cause tarantism

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarantula¹

1555–65; < Medieval Latin < Italian tarantola. See Taranto, -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarantula¹

C16: from Medieval Latin, from Old Italian tarantola, from Taranto

Example Sentences

Only weeks earlier I’d run into a tarantula on the trail’s edge clutching a still-living insect in its long furry arms — several hikers were hovering over it, snapping photos with paparazzi-like fervor.

From Los Angeles Times

Ferguson explained that his original plan to “go as a family of skeletons” was foiled after his elder son changed his mind “a few times,” eventually settling on going as a tarantula.

From Los Angeles Times

He also had to carry his deflated kayak through the jungle, watching out for tarantulas, snakes and scorpions, which was "very draining", Ash said.

From BBC

Well, maybe not when they involve “come quick!” howls of terror over “a tarantula” that turns out to be a very small spider.

From Los Angeles Times

The family is staying overnight in the campground, and she doesn’t appreciate learning there are tarantulas.

From Los Angeles Times