Word of the day · 12 September 2026
ephemeral
/ɪˈfɛmərəl/
adjective
Lasting for a very short time; fleeting.
In a sentence
- The fog was ephemeral; by mid-morning the bridge was clear.
- Internet fame is often ephemeral, even when the clip stays online.
- They built an ephemeral stage for one weekend of outdoor theater.
In an image
Origin
From Greek ephēmeros, “lasting a day,” from epi (on) and hēmera (day).
History
Naturalists used ephemeral for insects and flowers that live briefly. Essayists widened it to moods, trends and digital posts that vanish from attention overnight. The word is not only sad. It can praise something that is powerful because it does not linger.
Nearby words
fleeting · transient · brief
A precise word for beauty, fame or weather that will not stay.