ephemeral

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/ɪˈfemərəl/
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A brief existence, usually as an adjective for something short-lived, with technical uses for temporary natural features and a noun use for short-lived things.
Practice using ephemeral in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Desert storms can create ephemeral pools.
  • Mayflies are often used as examples of ephemeral adult life.
  • The garden was designed around early ephemerals and later perennials.
  • Their victory brought an ephemeral sense of relief.
  • The rainbow was beautiful but ephemeral.

Similar words

short-lived thing
temporary
temporary item
transient
short-lived
fleeting
spring flower
fleeting thing
ephemeron
momentary

Meanings

Lasting briefly

adjective
time
formal
Existing or lasting for only a very short time.

Examples

  • The rainbow was beautiful but ephemeral.
  • Online fame can be surprisingly ephemeral.
  • The artist tried to capture the ephemeral glow of dusk.
  • Their victory brought an ephemeral sense of relief.
  • Many fashion trends are deliberately ephemeral.

Similar words

fleeting
brief
transient
temporary
short-lived
momentary

Short-lived in nature

adjective
nature
technical
Living, blooming, flowing, or remaining active for a very short time, especially for plants, insects, streams, or pools.

Examples

  • Desert storms can create ephemeral pools.
  • Some spring flowers are ephemeral, blooming before the trees leaf out.
  • The map marks several ephemeral streams in the valley.
  • Mayflies are often used as examples of ephemeral adult life.
  • The reserve protects an ephemeral wetland that appears after heavy rain.

Similar words

short-lived
temporary
transient
brief
seasonal
passing

Short-lived thing

noun
nature
technical
A thing that lasts briefly, especially a plant that grows, flowers, and dies or becomes dormant quickly.

Examples

  • Bloodroot is one of the spring ephemerals in the woods.
  • The guide pointed out several ephemerals along the trail.
  • Collectors sometimes preserve paper ephemerals from old events.
  • Each ephemeral appeared after the rain and vanished within days.
  • The garden was designed around early ephemerals and later perennials.

Similar words

short-lived thing
transient
spring flower
temporary item
ephemeron
fleeting thing

Etymology

From Greek ephēmeros, meaning lasting a day or daily, formed from elements meaning on or for and day. English first used it for short-lived fevers and later for plants, insects, and fleeting things.

FAQ

What does ephemeral mean?

Ephemeral means lasting for only a very short time.

Is ephemeral formal?

Yes. Ephemeral is more formal than short-lived or temporary, though it is common in art, nature, and technology writing.

Can ephemeral be a noun?

Yes. An ephemeral is something short-lived, especially a plant that appears briefly.

What are ephemeral flowers?

Ephemeral flowers are flowers that bloom or remain active for a short time, often early in a season.

Where does ephemeral come from?

Ephemeral comes from a Greek word meaning lasting a day or daily.

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