scabies

American  

[skey-beez, -bee-eez] / ˈskeɪ biz, -biˌiz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a contagious skin disease occurring especially in sheep and cattle and also in humans, caused by the itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows under the skin.

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scabies British  

/ -bɪˌiːz, ˌskeɪbɪˈɛtɪk, ˈskeɪbiːz /

noun

1. a contagious skin infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, characterized by intense itching, inflammation, and the formation of vesicles and pustules

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• scabietic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of scabies

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin scabiēs “roughness, itch,” from scabere “to scratch, scrape”; see also shave

Example Sentences

Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites spread through close skin contact, according to the NHS.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

Rat Scabies, drummer for the pioneering punk band the Damned, has a nice cameo as the proprietor of a music store that also deals in guns.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2024

Scabies, diarrhea and respiratory infections rip through overcrowded shelters.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2023

Scabies broke out among the inmates, and a golf-ball-size pustule grew on Hossein’s nose.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 3, 2018

Scabies," said I. Said he: "Don't say I said so, sir, but show the M.O. that thing on your neck.

From An Onlooker in France 1917-1919 by Orpen, William, Sir

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