scabies

American  

[skay-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  

/ ˈskeɪbiːz, -bɪˌiːz /

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

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Etymology

Origin of scabies

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scabies

"It means the scabies were still active on him," she added.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

Paul died on 8 June - scabies is noted as a secondary cause of death on his death certificate.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

Hywel Dda health board said it was taking extra measures to control the spread of scabies and was focused on keeping hospitals and healthcare settings as clean as possible.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

Kate, from Cwrt Newydd in Ceredigion, said Paul also had pneumonia, but the crusted scabies meant his immune system "had weakened".

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 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

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