: 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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San Marcos tried a flea flicker on its last-gasp play, but it was sniffed out by the Carlsbad defense.—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2025 Less than 10 seconds later, Rosemount increased its lead to 17-0 when Jakhai Hollie got well behind the Cougars secondary on a flea flicker play for a 40-yard touchdown reception from Finn Macken.—Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025 Consider using flea and tick preventatives and examine your dog after your hike.—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 In his letter to the district, Lindstrom said that despite multiple requests to have the carpet removed, the flea infestation became so severe that parents were afraid to send their children to school, and those that did suffered from flea bites.—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025 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
: 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, chigoesense 1, dog flea, rat flea, sand flea, sticktight flea
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