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

Parasite protection remains a key part of that equation, particularly in regions where fleas and ticks are a concern. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

Protect your pets because skunks are a carrier of rabies, as well as fleas, ticks, and other diseases such as canine distemper. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026

In practice, that means fewer pristine surfaces and more flea-market finds, natural textures, hand finishings, and DIY projects. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026

They’re neutered, up to date on vaccines and microchipped, and they have been treated for parasites and fleas. —Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 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