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

Examples of deer tick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the deer came deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) carrying borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. —Sean Lawrence, The Conversation, 18 June 2025

An unlucky encounter with a deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) could leave you with Lyme disease. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2025

The researchers are now working to develop a deer tick repellent with octenal as the active ingredient. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2025

Less than 3% of the deer ticks researchers tested were found to be infected with the parasite, according to the study. —Natalie Jones, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deer tick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick

Kids Definition

deer tick

noun

: a tick that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

Medical Definition

deer tick

noun

ˈdi(ə)r- 

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