1
: a goal that cannot be reached
the will-o'-the-wisp of world peace
2
: a light that sometimes appears at night over wet ground
Cite this Entry
“Will-o'-the-wisp.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/will-o%27-the-wisp. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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