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
Phrases
flea in one's ear
: rebuke
sent him away with a flea in his 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.
The disease circulates naturally among rodents and can be passed to humans via fleas. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025 Use an insect repellent containing 20-30 percent DEET and tuck pant cuffs into your socks to help prevent flea bites. Stephanie Innes, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025 The disease can be transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected flea or through contact with an infected animal. Sonam Sheth gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 The Cleveland Clinic advises people to minimize their risk of plague by avoiding flea bites and exercising caution around animals that could be infected with the bacteria. Chantelle Lee, Time, 11 July 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 21 Jul. 2025.

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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