fleas

word · lemma: flea

/ˈfɫiz/
fleez
/flˈiːz/
fleez

Definition

Small jumping insects that bite animals and people to drink their blood. They are often found on pets like cats and dogs.

Usage & Nuances

Used in the plural because these insects are rarely alone. Common collocations: "get fleas", "flea infestation", "treat for fleas". Sometimes used figuratively to describe something annoying and hard to get rid of.

Example Sentences

Fleas can bite people and animals.

basic

We need to get rid of the fleas in the house.

basic

After visiting the old barn, I discovered my socks were full of fleas.

natural

If your cat keeps scratching, she might have fleas again.

natural

We spent the weekend cleaning the carpets because of a fleas problem.

natural

My dog has fleas.

basic