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

Indeed, this is not likely to become a catchall for books and ephemera. —Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025

For Neal, whose scholarship explores Black cultural memory and ephemera, the exhibition also raises important questions about preservation and access to Black cultural artifacts. —Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025

With the photographs, beloved quotes from figures such as the founder of fashion retailer Moda Operandi, Lauren Santo Domingo, and emotional ephemera not limited to eloquent caftans plus chic suiting, chosen to be displayed, each item was handpicked due to its sentimental meaning to Talley. —Essence, 4 Nov. 2025

The Appalachian Trail isn’t Jim Morrison’s grave, littered with the ephemera and graffiti of thousands of fans. —Grayson Haver Currin, Outside, 30 Oct. 2025

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