Re: What is the difference between cobwebs and spiderwebs?

Hello Shannon,

I'll try to answer this question correctly, but I must admit there may be some language differences between my English (from the UK) and yours! The simple answer is that there is no difference between them. Obviously, spiders make spiderwebs, hence the name, and in comparison "cobs" make cobwebs. And with a little research you can find that "cob" or "coppe" is the Middle English word for spider, dating from about the 14th century. In fact the term spiderweb was a much later introduction to the language in around 1649.

Other languages which have similar words for spider and spiderweb include:
cob - spider (Teutonic)
spinnckop - spiderweb (Dutch)
attercop - poisonous spider (Saxon)
kopi - spiderweb (Chaldee)

However, there may be somethings, such as dust or soot deposits which are termed "webs' in local culture and it could be these that you are in fact describing.

Cheers,