ephemera

Definition of ephemeranext
as in curiosa
things that are important or useful for only a short time; items that were not meant to have lasting value
usually plural
He has a large collection of old menus and other ephemera.

Related Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ephemera Its year-long celebration begins with an exhibition rooted in the institution's history, showcasing archival images and ephemera from the SDMA Archives and the San Diego History Center. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Call and Johns, who are avid collectors of Hollywood memorabilia, came across ephemera from the practice of Madam Renna, a facialist during Hollywood’s golden age who serviced the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor and more. James Manso, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 Stories are filled with this literal kind of ephemera in the form of what the characters wear, carry, purchase, pocket. Literary Hub, 20 May 2026 The idea is to show ephemera that is beaten and weathered, says Worthington. Siran Babayan, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ephemera
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ephemera
Noun
  • The Guardian skill track turns players into a tanky frontline anchor with proximity revives, while the exotics Defrag and Cryoshear join the arsenal.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • At least the pedals aren’t awkwardly offset, unlike many Italian exotics of this era.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • In his one-year-old West Hollywood restaurant Darling, a large listening bar is centered in the middle of the airy room, the plywood shelves filled with rarities from Dolly Parton to Merle Haggard…and sometimes a touch of Madonna.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 26 June 2026
  • Add to that the opportunity for mountain adventure without long travel days, and Montenegro is a true rarity.
    Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The villas are filled with books, instruments, games, curios and thoughtful details that suggest actual living rather than generic hospitality design.
    Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 15 June 2026
  • Colleen keeps a curio cabinet full of mementos of a baby loved in her all too short life and beyond.
    Edie Kasten, CBS News, 6 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ephemera.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ephemera. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster