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. flea in one's ear 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

All these efforts helped launch Tanton’s words and arguments into the flea market of American ideas.

From Salon

Antique malls, consignment stores, flea markets, thrift stores and vintage shops: L.A. has it all when it comes to shopping for secondhand furniture.

From Los Angeles Times

The program’s design also drew on surveys of more than 10,000 farmworkers, conducted by grassroots organizations at tax preparation events, food distribution sites and flea markets.

From Los Angeles Times

Her @1042flea account boasts more than 37,000 followers, using bright and bold color palettes to grab attention, and at some flea markets, she hosts nearly 100 vendors.

From Los Angeles Times

Thick Thrift is a flea market catering to sizes XL and over.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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