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”; see also shave

Example Sentences

These include scabies – caused by mites, lice and bed bugs.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

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

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

"If it's ongoing then there is a medicine called ivermectin. But the majority of people can still clear scabies with topical treatments that you can get over-the-counter at the pharmacy."

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

The British Association of Dermatologists said scabies was still incorrectly perceived as a "medieval disease" and that breaking down the stigma was important.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

"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

Related Words

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• venereal disease