flea

noun

ˈflē 

: any of an order (Siphonaptera) of small wingless bloodsucking insects that have a hard laterally compressed body and legs adapted to leaping and that feed on warm-blooded animals

see also:

flea in one's ear

Illustration of flea

Examples of flea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said a veterinarian who examined the dogs reported that most were underweight, with many showing signs of flea infestation, parasites and prolonged neglect. —Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 23 May 2026

She’s also been treated for fleas and parasites. —Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 23 May 2026

The following day, the remaining 25 dogs were brought to the shelter by the owner for veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming and flea treatment, Willson added. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026

My aunt and uncle, who live in Santa Fe—home to the International Folk Art Market, one of the largest such festivals in the world (the next one is July 9-12)—are devoted flea-market pickers and collectors of antique oddities. —Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fle, from Old English flēa; akin to Old High German flōh flea

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing flea

• beach flea
• fit as a flea
• flea beetle
• flea-bitten
• flea collar
• flea-flicker
• flea in one's ear
• flea market
• jigger flea
• sand flea
• water flea

Rhymes for flea

• be
• bee
• bree
• cree
• fee
• flee
• free
• gee
• ghee
• glee
• he
• ki

Kids Definition

flea

noun

ˈflē 

: any of an order of small wingless bloodsucking insects with a hard body and legs used for leaping

Medical Definition

flea

noun

ˈflē 

: any of the order Siphonaptera comprising wingless bloodsucking insects that have a hard laterally compressed body and legs adapted to leaping and that feed on warm-blooded animals see cat flea, chigoe sense 1, dog flea, rat flea, sand flea, sticktight flea