chigger

chig·ger | \ ˈchi-gər

, ˈji-

Definition of chigger

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 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, "What Is Typhus? Everything You Need to Know About the Flea-Borne Disease," 31 Oct. 2019 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 The South, like chiggers and divinity candy, is everlasting. — Southern Living, "My Brother's Garden," 1 May 2017 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 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

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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Cite this Entry

“Chigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chigger. Accessed 11 Jul. 2020.

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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

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