ephemera

noun

ephem·​era i-ˈfe-mə-rə How to pronounce ephemera (audio)
-ˈfem-rə
plural ephemera also ephemerae i-ˈfe-mə-rē How to pronounce ephemera (audio)
-ˈfem-rē
or ephemeras
1
: something of no lasting significance
usually used in plural
2
ephemera plural : paper items (such as posters, broadsides, and tickets) that were originally meant to be discarded after use but have since become collectibles

Examples of ephemera in a Sentence

He has a large collection of old menus and other ephemera.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Ordered thematically and chronologically, with historical ephemera accompanying artworks, the exhibition thoroughly articulates the narrative of a unique figure who nonetheless exemplified the aspirations and contradictions common to his time. Red Cameron, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025 References to 1950s ephemera score writing so alive that the sentences seem almost to vibrate, like particles let loose by a madman. Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024 The brand, helmed by Max Siegelman, reimagines harness racing ephemera and Garment District craftsmanship to create something uniquely resonant for a generation that increasingly seeks storytelling as a prerequisite for aesthetic tastes. Essence, 23 Dec. 2024 Alphonse awarded the winners prizes from his personal stash of rap ephemera—the best might have been a DVD of Mr. 305: The Pitbull Story. Pitchfork, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ephemera 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek ephēmera, neuter plural of ephēmeros

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ephemera was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near ephemera

Cite this Entry

“Ephemera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ephemera. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

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