spider mite

noun

: any of various small web-spinning mites (family Tetranychidae) that include destructive pests of plants

called also red spider

Examples of spider mite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why People Are Using Flour in Their Gardens According to landscaping pro Kate Schneider, people sometimes use flour as an all-natural pest repellent for aphids and spider mites. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026 The scent of bee balm is also appealing to lacewings, which then eat harmful pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026 Roses, for example, are commonly associated with pests like aphids and spider mites. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026 Even if their leaves have been dying from the bottom up, this is often due to undiagnosed spider mites, which are treated by blasting the leaves with a strong jet of water every couple of days. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spider mite

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spider mite was in 1870

Rhymes for spider mite

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Browse Nearby Words

spider milkweed
spider mite
spider monkey
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spider mite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spider%20mite. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spider mite

noun
: any of various mites that spin webs and include some that attack plants

called also red spider

More from Merriam-Webster on spider mite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spider mite

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