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Synonyms

daddy-longlegs

American  
[dad-ee-lawng-legz, -long-] / ˈdæd iˈlɔŋˌlɛgz, -ˈlɒŋ- /
Or daddy longlegs

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 British  

noun

  1. an informal name for a crane fly

  2. an informal name for harvestman

"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

Etymology

Origin of daddy-longlegs

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

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.

While Saracens also have some sharp English backs, none are quite like Jonny May, the Cherry and White wing with the hurdler's stride and the elusiveness of a flying daddy-longlegs.

From The Guardian • Apr. 19, 2013

Round the next bend of the laurel-edged walk Jasmine met Cousin Edith, who, unencumbered by Spot, was floating towards her as a daddy-longlegs floats towards a lamp.

From Rich Relatives by MacKenzie, Compton

As no one appeared but an inquisitive daddy-longlegs, who examined her work with interest, she went to walk, got caught in a shower, and came home dripping.

From Little Women by Alcott, Louisa May

Now M. Coignard had not got twenty yards away from the house when the other lackey, a tall fellow, with the limbs of a daddy-longlegs, ran after him, shouting for the guard.

From The Queen Pedauque by Stritzko, Jos. A. V.

In Ireland "dapping" with the green drake or the daddy-longlegs is practised from boats on most of the big loughs.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Part 1, Slice 1 by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.