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

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

Call and Johns, who are avid collectors of Hollywood memorabilia, came across ephemera from the practice of Madam Renna, a facialist during Hollywood’s golden age who serviced the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor and more. —James Manso, Footwear News, 27 May 2026

Stories are filled with this literal kind of ephemera in the form of what the characters wear, carry, purchase, pocket. —Literary Hub, 20 May 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