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

"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

Sasha McCabe, 25, from London, said she felt her time with scabies was "never going to end" after trying a variety of treatments during a 16-month period.

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

"It's the season for skin infections and we don't have creams or ointments for bacterial infections, no medicines to treat scabies and head lice."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 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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