Illustration of flea
flea
noun
ˈflē 
: 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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Keep an eye out for additions when shopping flea markets, home goods stores, and estate sales. 
Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2022 Muro and Flanagan mostly source from flea markets or estate sales instead of thrift stores. Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2022 Art Patron, which includes 57 modern pieces, features everything from contemporary wall art to neutral, moody paintings, all inspired by original works from museums and flea markets worldwide. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2022 Much of his current stock comes from many sources including Facebook, flea markets, antique stores and auctions. Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 2 Sep. 2022 Look for vintage Easter postcards at flea markets or find reproductions at bookstores. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2022 Like most of the custom furniture, the cabinet sits on a vintage metal base, many of which are salvaged from old sewing tables, warehouse carts or other antique frames scrounged from flea markets, roadside freebies and even dumpsters. Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2022 The late-June, eight-hour drive inevitably turned to 12, because there was a house to furnish, and there was no better resource than the flea markets, antiques cooperatives, and tag sales so ubiquitous along the coast. Kathleen Hackett, Country Living, 16 Aug. 2022 Glass lamp shades were sourced from flea markets in Saint Germain, while antique chandeliers bear the distinctive floral curvature of the period. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 28 July 2022 See More
Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2022 Muro and Flanagan mostly source from flea markets or estate sales instead of thrift stores. Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2022 Art Patron, which includes 57 modern pieces, features everything from contemporary wall art to neutral, moody paintings, all inspired by original works from museums and flea markets worldwide. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2022 Much of his current stock comes from many sources including Facebook, flea markets, antique stores and auctions. Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 2 Sep. 2022 Look for vintage Easter postcards at flea markets or find reproductions at bookstores. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2022 Like most of the custom furniture, the cabinet sits on a vintage metal base, many of which are salvaged from old sewing tables, warehouse carts or other antique frames scrounged from flea markets, roadside freebies and even dumpsters. Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2022 The late-June, eight-hour drive inevitably turned to 12, because there was a house to furnish, and there was no better resource than the flea markets, antiques cooperatives, and tag sales so ubiquitous along the coast. Kathleen Hackett, Country Living, 16 Aug. 2022 Glass lamp shades were sourced from flea markets in Saint Germain, while antique chandeliers bear the distinctive floral curvature of the period. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 28 July 2022 See More 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
Phrases Containing flea
Kids Definition
flea
noun
ˈflē
: a small bloodsucking insect that has no wings and a hard body
Medical Definition
flea
noun
ˈflē
: 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