will-o'-the-wisp

[ wil-uh-thuh-wisp ]

noun

1. ignis fatuus ( def 1 ).
2. anything that deludes or misleads by luring on.

will-o'-the-wisp

/ ˌwɪləðəˈwɪsp /

noun

1. Also calledfriar's lanternignis fatuusjack-o'-lantern a pale flame or phosphorescence sometimes seen over marshy ground at night. It is believed to be due to the spontaneous combustion of methane or other hydrocarbons originating from decomposing organic matter
2. a person or thing that is elusive or allures and misleads

Derived Forms

• ˌwill-o'-the-ˈwispish, adjective

Other Words From

• willo'-the-wispish especially British, willo'-the-wispy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of will-o'-the-wisp¹

1600–10; originally Will (i.e., William) with the wisp; wisp

Word History and Origins

Origin of will-o'-the-wisp¹

C17: originally Will with the wisp, from Will short for William and wisp in former sense of a twist of hay or straw burning as a torch

Example Sentences

But the little light version slipped through her fingers like a will-o'-the-wisp.

From Literature

The independence referendum is the will-o'-the-wisp of the Scottish election campaign.

From BBC

The lively, self-aware musical has such a will-o'-the-wisp quality that you fear it will disappear if you attempt to fence it in.

From Los Angeles Times

Chasing will-o'-the-wisp planners, judges and environmental activists is mere skirmishing.

From The Guardian

Dananjaya, a will-o'-the-wisp 18 year old from the southern suburbs of Colombo, was given his international debut.

From The Guardian