flea

noun

: 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
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Illustration of flea

Illustration of flea

Examples of flea 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.
The shelter takes in about 350 animals each year, providing each one with medical attention, including spaying/neutering, vaccines, a microchip, testing for common illnesses, dewormer and flea and heartworm prevention. Amanda Rosa april 9, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 People also can catch typhus by breathing in flea dirt or rubbing it into their eyes, the agency said. Don Sweeney april 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026 As explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plague, caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis, is an illness that affects all mammals, including humans, that is contracted through infected fleas. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026 Residents can protect against the disease by using flea-control treatments on pets year-round, avoiding handling or feeding stray animals, and keeping wildlife away with security trash cans and blocking entry points and hiding places on residential properties. City News Service, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flea

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of flea was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Flea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flea. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

flea

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

Medical Definition

flea

noun
: 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

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