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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

Illustration of flea

Illustration of flea

see also flea in one's ear

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.
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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flea. Accessed 13 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on flea

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