deer tick

noun

: an ixodid tick (Ixodes scapularis synonym I. dammini) of the eastern U.S. and Canada that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

called also black-legged tick

Illustration of deer tick

Illustration of deer tick

Examples of deer tick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns have boosted deer tick populations and, in turn, Lyme disease infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 1 July 2024 The Kansas City area is home to multiple species of these blood-sucking insects, including the American dog tick, lone star tick and deer tick. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2024 Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by deer ticks, which are small in size, and can often go unnoticed. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 26 June 2024 According to the Mayo Clinic, common types of ticks include: Black-legged tick AKA the deer tick – Mainly found in the eastern half and midwest region of the U.S. Western black-legged tick – Mainly found along the U.S. Pacific Coast. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 4 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for deer tick 

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deer tick was in 1982

Dictionary Entries Near deer tick

Cite this Entry

“Deer tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deer%20tick. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deer tick

noun
: a tick that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

Medical Definition

deer tick

noun
: a tick of the genus Ixodes (I. scapularis synonym I. dammini) that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease
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