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

Though learning the variations between Filipino and American play was easy, new to Nguyen was the ephemera of American-style play. —Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 10 Mar. 2026

Madsen’s Denver home began filling with books, letters, autographs and ephemera involving Twain. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026

In a similar spirit of upcycling, his exhibition shows Rose Salane’s newest project from Pompeii featuring rocks and other ephemera taken from the historic site. —Tyler Matthew Oyer feb. 27, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

There will also be some 60 accessories and personal ephemera from the late industry fixture’s archives spanning artwork, letters and books. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 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