chigger

noun

chig·​ger ˈchi-gər  ˈji- 

1

: chigoe sense 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

The most likely cause is chiggers, also known as harvest mites. —Joan Morris, Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2026

The pilot’s wife told researchers that he had been bitten by chiggers — tiny mite larvae — around his ankles last summer. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids related to ticks, spiders, and chiggers. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025

Mosquito bites are less likely to be grouped like chigger and no-see-um bites. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 15 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chigger

• bigger
• digger
• jigger
• rigger
• rigor
• trigger
• vigor
• gravedigger
• obligor
• outrigger

Kids Definition

chigger

noun

chig·​ger ˈchig-ər  ˈjig- 

: a six-legged mite larva that feeds on skin cells and causes itchy red welts

Medical Definition

chigger

noun

chig·​ger ˈchig-ər  ˈjig- 

1

: chigoe sense 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