flea market
/ˈfliː ˌmɑːrkɪt/
Meaning
A "flea market" is an outdoor or indoor market where people sell cheap, second-hand, or vintage goods, such as clothes, furniture, antiques, and collectibles. The term originally comes from the French "marché aux puces," historically referring to the pests that might have been in the old clothes sold there.
Examples
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We spent Sunday morning browsing the local flea market for vintage records.
We spent Sunday morning browsing the local flea market for vintage records.
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I bought this beautiful antique mirror at a flea market in Paris for only twenty euros.
I bought this beautiful antique mirror at a flea market in Paris for only twenty euros.
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If you like collecting old comic books, you should check out the giant weekend flea market.
If you like collecting old comic books, you should check out the giant weekend flea market.
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They sell everything from second-hand clothes to handmade jewelry at the outdoor flea market.
They sell everything from second-hand clothes to handmade jewelry at the outdoor flea market.
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You can often bargain for a lower price when shopping at a flea market.
You can often bargain for a lower price when shopping at a flea market.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I bought this old clock at a flies market.
✓ I bought this old clock at a flea market.
The singular noun "flea" is used as a modifier. Do not pluralize it to "flies" or "fleas."
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✗ We went to a second-hand market to buy some cheap clothes.
✓ We went to a flea market to buy some cheap clothes.
While "second-hand market" is grammatically understandable, native English speakers almost exclusively use "flea market" for this type of casual bazaar.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Every Saturday, the town square transforms into a bustling ___ selling old books and furniture.
💡 a street market selling second-hand goods
Show answer
flea market
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I love hunting for unique vintage jewelry at the local ___.
💡 an outdoor market for cheap or used items
Show answer
flea market