A chigger is a tiny mite or flea-like parasiteAn organism that lives on or in another and harms it. that bites or burrowsDigs or works its way into a surface or body part. into skin and causes irritationA sore, itchy, or uncomfortable feeling caused by something.. The word can refer to two different pests, so it helps to separate the common mite sense from the tropical chigoe sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈtʃɪɡər/
Easy pronunciation: CHIG-er (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Refers to the larval mite that bites humans and causes itching.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Chigger Meaning
a tiny mite that bites people and makes their skin itch
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a larval mite that feeds on vertebrates, including humans, and causes intense itching or irritation
Example: After hiking through tall grass, I came home with a few chigger bites on my ankles.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- harvest mite — Common synonym for the mite sense.
- redbug — Used for the irritating mite in some varieties of English; informal.
- jigger — Can refer to the same mite, though usage may vary by region.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Chigger
Meaning 2
a tiny tropical flea that burrows into skin
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a small tropical flea whose fertilized female burrows under the skin of the host, including humans
Example: In some tropical areas, chiggers can mean chigoe fleas that burrow into the skin.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- chigoe — The standard name for this flea.
- chigoe flea — Direct synonym for the tropical flea sense.
- tunga penetrans — Scientific name for the same flea.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Chigger Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- harvest mite
- redbug
- jigger
small tropical flea that burrows into skin
- chigoe
- chigoe flea
- tunga penetrans
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People often use chigger to mean any itchy bug bite, but the word specifically refers to a tiny mite or flea-like parasite.
- Do not confuse chigger with the unrelated insect larvae or general skin irritation without a parasite.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chigger mean?
Chigger usually means a tiny mite that bites humans and causes itching. In a second, less common sense, it can refer to a tropical flea called a chigoe.
What are chigger synonyms?
For the mite sense, chigger synonyms include harvest mite, redbug, and sometimes jigger. For the tropical flea sense, synonyms include chigoe, chigoe flea, and tunga penetrans.
Is a chigger a flea or a mite?
Usually it means a mite, but it can also be used for a small tropical flea called a chigoe.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.