ephemera

[ ih-fem-er-uh ]

noun

, plural e·phem·er·as, e·phem·er·ae [ih-, fem, -, uh, -ree]

1. a plural of ephemeron.
2. an ephemerid.

ephemera

/ ɪˈfɛmərə /

noun

1. a mayfly, esp one of the genus Ephemera
2. something transitory or short-lived
3. functioning as plural a class of collectable items not originally intended to last for more than a short time, such as tickets, posters, postcards, or labels
4. a plural of ephemeron

Word History and Origins

Origin of ephemera¹

1670–80; < Greek ephḗmera, neuter plural of ephḗmeros, taken as singular; ephemeral

Word History and Origins

Origin of ephemera¹

C16; see ephemeral

Example Sentences

In order for the actors to proceed to the next scene, we need to get them a message crafted from the ephemera that they have dropped.

From Los Angeles Times

Beginning Aug. 16, guests will be able to check out a box filled with instructions and ephemera, such as magnifying glasses, and explore a fanciful tale.

From Los Angeles Times

Through a collection of personal narratives and visual ephemera from everyday people in L.A.,

From Los Angeles Times

The firm’s current auction, Grateful Dead 2: Rare and Curated Items, is a wide-ranging gathering of band treasures and ephemera, artwork and vintage sound equipment.

From Los Angeles Times

At Saar’s solo show at Roberts Projects in Los Angeles, which closes tomorrow, eight small, decorative boxes hold antique masks, vintage textiles and hand-carved ephemera.

From New York Times

Related Words

• collectibles