shadfly

[ shad-flahy ]

noun

, plural shad·flies.

1. mayfly ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadfly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; so called because they hatch at the time of year when shad are running

Example Sentences

We met with ephemer (shadfly) midway, about a mile from the shore, and they evidently fly over the whole lake.

From Project Gutenberg