What does tarantula mean?
A tarantula is a large, often hairy spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae. These spiders occur mainly in tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and many live in burrows, silk-lined tunnels, or tree cavities. Although people often use the word for any conspicuously large or hairy spider, zoologically it has a more precise meaning. Tarantulas are generally shy and avoid people, but they can defend themselves with their fangs and, in some species, irritating hairs. The word has an unusual history: it comes from Italian tarantola, derived from Taranto, the southern Italian city associated with tarantism, a condition historically attributed to spider bites. The name therefore links an ordinary animal with a once-famous episode in European cultural history.
nounA member of the spider family Theraphosidae, a group of large, often hairy spiders found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. In everyday use, the word often refers to any large, hairy spider.
- A large, hairy spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae.
"The tarantula cautiously crossed the warm stones of the garden wall."
"A tarantula guarded the entrance to its burrow."
"The wildlife documentary explained how a tarantula hawk can overcome a tarantula."
The standard plural adds -s and is used for more than one spider or for a species discussed collectively.
"Several tarantulas emerged from their burrows after dark."
The name comes from Taranto in southern Italy, once associated with the strange condition called tarantism, whose supposed cure involved dancing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tarantula come from?
The English word comes from Italian tarantola, a name derived from Taranto, the city in southern Italy. Tarantula became associated with the supposed effects of spider bites and with tarantism, a historical condition accompanied by dancing and other unusual behavior. Related English words include tarantella, from the same Italian and geographical tradition, and tarantism, from Italian tarantismo.
How tarantula is actually used
The term is normally neutral and is used both in everyday descriptions and in zoological contexts. In scientific usage, it refers specifically to spiders in the family Theraphosidae.
Easily confused with tarantula
A tarantula is a spider, whereas a tarantella is a lively Italian dance and its associated music.