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 not archaeological, the designs tapped into a related appetite for inherited craft and materials with ephemera from the past. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 16 July 2026

Twins Jason and Marcus Luna, in identical outfits, each preside over an office set with two desk carrels, two vintage computers, two swivel chairs, and other generic office ephemera. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026

The exhibition also includes photographs and personal ephemera from people close to the artist, including his last girlfriend, Kelle Inman. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

An exhibition last year of drawings and ephemera from the making of the Fox Trot Carousel reminded people about the carousel, Lusk said. — ABC News, 26 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