mayfly

noun

may·​fly ˈmā-ˌflī How to pronounce mayfly (audio)
: 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

Illustration of mayfly

Examples of mayfly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Keep the rig small; mayfly larvae are rarely longer than an inch. Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 13 June 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for mayfly 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mayfly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mayfly was circa 1653

Dictionary Entries Near mayfly

Cite this Entry

“Mayfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mayfly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

mayfly

noun
may·​fly -ˌflī How to pronounce mayfly (audio)
: any of a group of insects that as adults live only a short time and have fragile wings

More from Merriam-Webster on mayfly

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