chigger

noun

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chig·ger | \ ˈchi-gər

, ˈji-

Definition of chigger

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 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 Fortunately, chigger bites don't pose a huge health risk, and the main concern is simply getting the inflammation and itching under control. — Maggie O'neill, Health.com, 5 Aug. 2020 Yet another type of typhus is known as scrub typhus, and is spread through chiggers or larval mites—but scrub typhus typically only occurs in rural areas of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India, and northern Australia. — Sarah Klein, Health.com, 31 Oct. 2019 Concentrate chemical insecticidal treatments on grassy areas, low bushes, near doghouses, and other potential chigger populations. — Sallie Lee, AL.com, 5 June 2017 The South, like chiggers and divinity candy, is everlasting. — Southern Living, 1 May 2017 Chiggers, a type of mite, can also pass the allergy to humans, Jacobs said. — Max Londberg, kansascity.com, 29 June 2017 As with many situations, the best defense against chiggers is a good offense. — Sallie Lee, AL.com, 5 June 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.

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“Chigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chigger. Accessed 25 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for chigger

chigger

noun

English Language Learners Definition of chigger

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

See the full definition for chigger in the English Language Learners Dictionary

chigger

noun

chig·ger | \ ˈchi-gər

Kids Definition of chigger

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

chigger

noun

chig·ger | \ ˈchig-ər

, ˈjig-

Medical Definition of chigger

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