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

• scabietic adjective

Etymology

Origin of scabies

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

Example Sentences

Unlike bed bugs, scabies mites are naked to the human eye, and are not caused by poor hygiene.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

A woman who had scabies has described the experience as a "nightmare" as figures show a rise in reported cases of the parasitic infestation.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

"This includes treatment delays, closer proximity post-pandemic and a societal stigma towards the condition, which could impact people's behaviour to seek treatment when they experience scabies," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

They reported that he lost a significant portion of his weight and was suffering from scabies, but that the Israel Prison Service had provided treatment.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

"We have to be careful. Once we get an epidemic of lice, or crabs, or scabies, it is near impossible to get rid of 'em."

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos

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