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 Bug Bite Thing even works on bee and wasp stings as well as bites from flies, no-see-ums, chiggers, and sea lice. —Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 4 June 2024

These sprays will protect you and your family from mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers. —Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2024

Scrub the area with soap and water to remove any remaining chiggers, and try calamine lotion or anti-itch cream. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 27 May 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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