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

This includes dog and cat food, cat litter, treats, beds and blankets, food and water bowls, leashes and collars, puppy pads, nail trimmers, and even flea and tick prevention. —Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026

They have been microchipped, vaccinated and treated for fleas and parasites. —Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026

The teacher draws a tightrope separating two dimensions with an acrobat occupying the space above the tightrope, and a flea, who is able to walk both above and below the tightrope. —Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026

Washing bedding and steam cleaning carpets can also get rid of fleas. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 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