dog tick

noun

: any of several ticks commonly infesting dogs: such as

Examples of dog 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.
American dog tick Males are dark red with white interlaced patterns across the entire back. Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 8 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 Other ticks commonly found in North Carolina include the black-legged tick and American dog tick. Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026 Accounting for 75% of Michigan's ticks, American dog ticks, or wood ticks, live in forests and grassy areas throughout Michigan. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 23 Apr. 2026 Some ticks, like the deer tick, are active year-round, and dog ticks come out during spring and summer. Elle Meyers, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 Deer ticks and dog ticks, which are both native to Connecticut, are most frequent transmitters of Lyme disease. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026 That includes the American dog tick, which lives east of the Rocky Mountains and on parts of the Pacific Coast. Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025 American dog tick: The tick can be found in all Indiana counties and is mainly seen during April to July. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 31 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dog tick was in 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Dog tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dog%20tick. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

dog tick

noun
: a common North American tick especially of dogs and human beings that may transmit the bacterium causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia

Medical Definition

dog tick

noun
: any of several ticks infesting dogs and commonly other animals: as
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