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

Illustration of flea

see also flea in one's ear

Examples of flea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Around those runs, the Pats hit Miami with a 35-yard flea flicker and an end around to exploit the poor discipline of their defensive backs. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026

The biggest play of the drive came when Maye hit rookie wide receiver Efton Chism for 35 yards on a flea flicker. —Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026

Then, in the fourth quarter, Dowdle slipped on a flea flicker exchange in the red zone, which led to a fumble recovery by Tampa Bay. —Mike Kaye updated January 3, Charlotte Observer, 4 Jan. 2026

These days, accommodations come with memory-foam mattresses, cozy blankets, antique nightstands, and an overall flea-market-chic aesthetic. —AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2025

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 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