-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
: 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
Examples of flea in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Outdoor cats are also more at risk of fleas, ticks and infectious diseases.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
That includes preventive treatments for fleas and ticks and heartworm and vaccinations for parvo, distemper and rabies, says Kohl.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2024
Shadow, who is now 12, was underweight, covered with fleas and had seven teeth missing when Minckler adopted him.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2024
That includes canine distemper, parvo, and fleas, ticks and the mites that cause mange.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flea
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.
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
Phrases Containing flea
Dictionary Entries Near flea
Cite this Entry
“Flea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flea. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on flea
Nglish: Translation of flea for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of flea for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flea
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share