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

A UK government report found there was a 44% increase in scabies diagnoses at sexual health services between 2023 and 2024, with diagnoses in 2024 exceeding those in 2019.

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

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

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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