flea market — an outdoor market selling second-hand goods and antiques
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an outdoor market selling second-hand goods and antiques
Pronunciation (IPA): /fliː ˈmɑːrkɪt/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother's treasure hunting at the flea market always ended with buying someone else's junk.
- The flea market is a paradise for vintage collectors and bargain hunters.
- I went to sell my old books but came back with more stuff than I brought to the flea market.
flea market
NOUN[/fliː ˈmɑːrkɪt/]
an outdoor market selling second-hand goods and antiques
She hunts for treasures every Sunday at the neighborhood flea market.
At the flea market, buy a cup and the tea is free!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term 'flea market' originated in 19th-century Paris, where secondhand markets were named after the parasitic insects that infested used mattresses and clothing sold there. The name evokes the image of fleas jumping from garment to garment, mirroring how merchandise changed hands among successive owners.
Breakdown
flea (the parasitic insect, from Old English fleah) + market (a place of commercial exchange, from Old French marchiet). The compound reflects both the literal presence of fleas in used goods and the metaphorical notion of items rapidly passing between owners.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother's treasure hunting at the flea market always ended with buying someone else's junk.”
“The flea market is a paradise for vintage collectors and bargain hunters.”
“I went to sell my old books but came back with more stuff than I brought to the flea market.”
“Every Saturday morning, the town square transforms into a vibrant flea market.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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