red bug

noun

Southern US and Midland US

: chigger sense 2

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of red bug was in 1827

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Red bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20bug. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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Medical Definition

red bug

noun

-ˌbəg

Southern & Midland

: chigger sense 2

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