flea

[flee]

noun

1. any of numerous small, wingless bloodsucking insects of the order Siphonaptera, parasitic upon mammals and birds and noted for their ability to leap.

2. either of two common fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides, the very small, black C. felis cat flea or the similar but larger C. canis dog flea, both of which infest cats, dogs, and occasionally humans.

3. any of various small beetles and crustaceans that leap like a flea or swim in a jumpy manner, as the water flea and beach flea.

flea

/ fliː /

noun

1. any small wingless parasitic blood-sucking insect of the order Siphonaptera , living on the skin of mammals and birds and noted for its power of leaping

2. any of various invertebrates that resemble fleas, such as the water flea and flea beetle

3. informal,  a sharp rebuke

Word History and Origins

Origin of flea¹

before 900; Middle English fle, Old English flēah, flēa; cognate with German Floh; akin to flee

Word History and Origins

Origin of flea¹

Old English flēah ; related to Old Norse flō , Old High German flōh

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. flea in one's ear,

   1. a disconcerting rebuke or rebuff.

      The next time he shows his face around here he'll get a flea in his ear.

   2. a broad hint.

More idioms and phrases containing flea

• hurt a fly (flea)

Example Sentences

Whether she chooses to stay in Franklin Hills for the rest of her life or packs up everything tomorrow, she’ll always keep an eye out for hidden gems — just like at the flea market.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They include scenes of people dying after being forcibly infected by venomous fleas and of experiments to induce frostbite by leaving undressed people outside to freeze.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I like the smaller fleas, and there are a couple of vendors that go to both PCC and Topanga that have amazing stuff.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I would urge USC to remember that when you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“This sort of flea market find, slightly childlike music felt to us like of the show, but the audience had to give us permission,” Bouchard says.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ant 
• aphid 
• bee 
• beetle 
• butterfly 
• cockroach 
• dragonfly 
• fruit fly 
• gnat 
• grasshopper 
• ladybug 
• mite 
• mosquito 
• moth 
• pest 
• spider 
• termite 
• tick