ephemera

noun

ephem·​era i-ˈfe-mə-rə 

-ˈfem-rə

plural ephemera also ephemerae i-ˈfe-mə-rē 

-ˈfem-rē

or ephemeras

1

: something of no lasting significance

—usually used in plural

2

ephemera plural : items (such as posters, broadsides, and tickets) originally meant to be discarded after use but that later become collectibles

Examples of ephemera in a Sentence

He has a large collection of old menus and other ephemera.

Recent Examples on the Web

Vintage photographs and very old paper ephemera are highly valued in collage and scrapbooking communities. —Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026

The most satisfying moments come when all the chaotic ephemera disperses to make space for shimmering, ambient chords. —H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026

This exhibition of photographs, ephemera and historical film footage will highlight the key moments in the history of the museum. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

Betty Boop is just one of several characters, books, recordings and ephemera entering the public domain January 1, 2026. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek ephēmera, neuter plural of ephēmeros

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ephemera

• femora