chigger

noun chig·ger \ ˈchi-gər , ˈji- \

Definition of chigger

1 :chigoe 1

[alteration of ³jigger]

: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

See chigger defined for English-language learners

See chigger defined for kids

Recent Examples of chigger from the Web

Chiggers, a type of mite, can also pass the allergy to humans, Jacobs said.

— max londberg, kansascity.com, "Lone star tick bites are causing red meat allergy in the Kansas City area," 29 June 2017
Concentrate chemical insecticidal treatments on grassy areas, low bushes, near doghouses, and other potential chigger populations.

— sallie lee, AL.com, "Invisible bugs cause major discomfort (Garden Talk)," 5 June 2017
As with many situations, the best defense against chiggers is a good offense.

— sallie lee, AL.com, "Invisible bugs cause major discomfort (Garden Talk)," 5 June 2017
The South, like chiggers and divinity candy, is everlasting.

— Southern Living, "My Brother's Garden," 1 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chigger.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of chigger

1756

CHIGGER Defined for English Language Learners

chigger

noun

Definition of chigger for English Language Learners

: a small insect that bites people and causes painful swelling on the skin

CHIGGER Defined for Kids

chigger

noun chig·ger \ ˈchi-gər \

Definition of chigger for Students

:the six-legged larva of a mite that clings to the skin and causes itching

Medical Dictionary

chigger

noun chig·ger \ ˈchig-ər , ˈjig- \

medical Definition of chigger

1 :chigoe 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