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

There are several good insecticides that can be spraying across the lawn, groundcovers, low shrubs, tree trunks, patio surfaces, walls of your home, and all other areas that might harbor chiggers. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2025

In one recent study of thousands of samples, chiggers weren’t found to be present in any. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2024

An 8-year-old ended up finding the egg, which Juliano-Villani had intentionally nestled in an area infested with chiggers and ticks. —Jay Bulger, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2024

Type: Pump spray | Pest Type: Ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, and more | Size: 3 ounces | Active Ingredient: Picaridin (20%) Best Overall, Cheaper Off! —Avery Stone, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024

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