daddy longlegs

Definition

The cranefly; any insect of the suborder Tipulomorpha.

Etymology

From daddy + longlegs. First attested in 1810s. Preceded by father longlegs, attested from 1740s.

Example Sentences

• "Daddy longlegs adults are weak flyers, falling onto the water surface in the lightest of breezes, and even on calm days."
• "Unlike spiders, daddy longlegs do not have a clearly marked division between thorax and abdomen. They are further distinguished from spiders in that they do not produce venom or silk."
• "Daddy longlegs aren′t even really spiders."