[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/longlegs/)

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# longlegs

noun (daddy longlegs; longlegs — rare alone)

«longlegs» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Usually part of «daddy longlegs»: a name for long-legged creatures. In the UK, Ireland and Australia it often means the crane fly; in the USA and Canada usually a harvestman (a spider-like creature) or a cellar spider. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/longlegs/#m1)
2. (informal) A tall person with long legs, as a nickname. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/longlegs/#m2)

### In the lessons

In nature lessons «daddy longlegs» shows how one common name can mean different animals in different countries. Myth: daddy longlegs are not deadly poisonous; they are harmless to people. Phrases: «daddy longlegs».

### Examples

- A daddy longlegs flew in through the window. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/longlegs/#x1)
- Crane flies are called daddy longlegs in Britain. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/longlegs/#x2)
- In America, a daddy longlegs is often a harvestman. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/longlegs/#x3)
- Daddy longlegs can't hurt you. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/longlegs/#x4)
- «Hey, Longlegs!» his friends called the tall boy. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/longlegs/#x5)

### Note

Usually written «daddy longlegs» or «daddy-long-legs». Myth trap: the story that they are the most venomous spiders is false.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «longlegs» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/longlegs/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«longlegs» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/longlegs.html) on Mova free.