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

In the process of turning the house into a museum, countless artifacts, photos, and personal ephemera were uncovered, painting a vivid picture of the artist’s life at home. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026

To the shoppers at my estate sale, a random piece of strangers’ ephemera not worth a dollar. —Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Displays show campaign ephemera and memorabilia, from Shepard Fairey’s iconic HOPE poster to children’s drawings. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 June 2026

Its year-long celebration begins with an exhibition rooted in the institution's history, showcasing archival images and ephemera from the SDMA Archives and the San Diego History Center. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 June 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