wolf spider

American  

noun

1. any of numerous ground spiders of the family Lycosidae, including the southern European tarantula, Lycosa taretula, that hunt their prey instead of using a web.

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wolf spider British  

noun

1. Also called: hunting spider.  any spider of the family Lycosidae, which chase their prey to catch it

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Etymology

Origin of wolf spider

First recorded in 1600–10

Compare meaning

How does wolf-spider compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• wolf spider vs. tarantula

Example Sentences

Just in time for Halloween — the white-knuckled wolf spider is back.

From MarketWatch

Growing concerned, Mr Blake visited the ship's doctor and found that a Peruvian wolf spider had bitten him and laid eggs in his toe.

From BBC

Another image shows a wolf spider running across a grave.

From Seattle Times

"The most common wolf spider in my yard is currently undescribed," said Harvey, of the Western Australian Museum.

From Salon

“The most common wolf spider in my yard is currently undescribed,” said Harvey, of the Western Australian Museum.

From Scientific American