chigger

noun

chig·​ger ˈchi-gər How to pronounce chigger (audio) ˈji- How to pronounce chigger (audio)
1
2
[alteration of jigger entry 3] : a six-legged usually red or orange mite larva (family Trombiculidae) that feeds on skin cells and causes intensely itchy reddish welts
also : the adult mite of this larva

Examples of chigger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Unsurprisingly, the cases clustered in areas where the lone star tick is known to be established—though other ticks and potentially chiggers have also been linked to AGS. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 July 2023 Instead, chiggers pierce the skin and inject saliva into the bite, which contains a powerful digestive enzyme that essentially breaks down the affected skin, so the chigger can feed on it. Maggie O'Neill, Health.com, 5 Aug. 2020 The non-greasy bug spray works to protect against mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, flies, and chiggers. Casey Clark, Peoplemag, 4 July 2023 The longer the chigger is attached to your flesh, the deeper this straw-like chigger fortress becomes. T. Edward Nickens, Field & Stream, 13 July 2020 Picaridin is just as effective as DEET but without the sticky feel or odor, working to repel insects, ticks, and chiggers. Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 28 June 2023 To minimize your risk of chigger bites, check for bird nests before opening your windows. Women's Health, 1 May 2023 Along with biting insects like chiggers, black flies, sand fleas, gnats, midges, and mosquitoes, ticks can latch onto an unsuspecting hiker and infect them with an array of lethal diseases, such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). Nancy Jo Adams, Popular Mechanics, 22 Apr. 2023 Sawyer’s insect repellent protects up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to eight hours against gnats, chiggers, and flies. Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chigger.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chigger was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near chigger

Cite this Entry

“Chigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chigger. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chigger

noun
chig·​ger ˈchig-ər How to pronounce chigger (audio) ˈjig- How to pronounce chigger (audio)
: a six-legged mite larva that feeds on skin cells and causes itchy red welts

Medical Definition

chigger

noun
chig·​ger ˈchig-ər How to pronounce chigger (audio) ˈjig- How to pronounce chigger (audio)
1
2
: a six-legged, usually red or orange, mite larva of the family Trombiculidae that feeds on skin cells and causes intensely itchy, reddish welts
also : the adult mite of this larva

called also chigoe, harvest mite, jigger, red bug

More from Merriam-Webster on chigger

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