mayfly

noun

may·​fly ˈmā-ˌflī 

: any of an order (Ephemeroptera) of insects with an aquatic nymph and a short-lived, fragile adult lacking mouthparts and having membranous, heavily veined wings and two or three long, threadlike tails

Note: the wings of the mayfly are held vertically above the body when closed.

called also ephemerid

Illustration of mayfly

Examples of mayfly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Starting in May and running through September, mayflies emerge all across North America. —Shaye Baker, Field & Stream, 6 June 2024

Below is a quick guide to mayfly basics, hatch timing and location, and mayfly fishing tips. —Shaye Baker, Field & Stream, 6 June 2024

During a Mayfly Hatch One of the toughest times to catch walleyes is during a significant mayfly hatch. —Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 13 June 2024

Fish flies, otherwise known as mayflies, are insects with slender bodies, prominent wings, and long antennae and tails. —Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 5 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1653, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mayfly

noun

may·​fly -ˌflī 

: any of a group of insects that as adults live only a short time and have fragile wings