'araneoid' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Araneoidea', where Latin 'aranea' meant 'spider' and the suffix '-oid' (from Greek '-oeidēs') meant 'resembling'.

'araneoid' developed from New Latin taxonomic formations such as 'Araneoidea', which in turn built on Latin 'aranea' (from Greek ἀράχνη, aráchne). The scientific form entered English in modern taxonomy and became 'araneoid' to describe members or characteristics of that group.

Initially it meant 'resembling a spider' (literally 'spider-like'), but over time it has been used as a noun to refer specifically to members of the Araneoidea superfamily (i.e., certain kinds of spiders).