Search Dictionary
Definition of flea

flea

/fliː/
flea
Plural:fleas
JUMP TO:

flea Lexical Profile

flea Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, wingless, jumping insect of the order Siphonaptera that survives as an external parasite by feeding on the blood of mammals and birds.

Example

"The veterinarian recommended a monthly topical treatment to protect the dog from catching a single flea."

Word Nuance & Usage

The noun 'flea' (an insect) is a homophone with the verb 'flee' (to run away or escape), which can occasionally cause spelling confusion.

• Rhymes for flea

• Nearby Words

flax
flaxen
flaxseed
flea
fleabag
fleabane
fleabite

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'flēah', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'vlo' and German 'Floh'. It is likely derived from an ancient root related to jumping or fleeing.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flea. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flea
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.