deer tick

noun

: an ixodid tick (Ixodes scapularis synonym I. dammini) of the eastern U.S. and Canada that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

called also black-legged tick

Illustration of deer tick

Illustration of deer tick

Examples of deer tick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The station reported that positive cases of Lyme disease identified in blacklegged, or deer ticks, the most common variety in Connecticut, increased 9% between 2024 and 2025. Allison Gollenberg, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026 They're commonly called a deer tick. Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 9 June 2026 In North America alone, there are around 10 species of native ticks including the American dog tick and the blacklegged or deer tick, which can all spread diseases through a simple bite. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026 Both types are spread by deer ticks. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deer tick

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deer tick was in 1982

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Cite this Entry

“Deer tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deer%20tick. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

deer tick

noun
: a tick that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

Medical Definition

deer tick

noun
: a tick of the genus Ixodes (I. scapularis synonym I. dammini) that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease
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