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.
He was estimated to be around 8 to 10 years old, with a severe flea allergy (causing his hair loss), was missing several teeth and was heartworm positive. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Platinum plan: Same benefits as Gold, plus spaying/neutering, urinalysis and blood testing, and flea, tick and heartworm protection, as well as $25 for health certificates. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2025 Gold plan: Includes annual wellness exams, vaccinations, flea and heartworm prevention, deworming and dental cleaning, with an annual benefit limit is $250. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2025 Under the care of a veterinarian, Naya received an oral flea and tick treatment designed to kill the mites and is expected to recover fully, according to Newsweek. Luke Chinman, People.com, 12 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near flea

Cite this Entry

“Flea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flea. Accessed 16 Feb. 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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