1. things that exist or are useful for only a short time
Usage: plural form
2. plants that complete their life cycle in a very short period, often just a few weeks
Usage: botanical term; plural form

Examples

• The desert blooms with colorful ephemerals after the spring rains.
• Many wildflowers are ephemerals that appear briefly each year.
• The botanist studied the ephemerals that sprouted after the fire.
• These ephemerals will wither within days of germinating.
• The garden featured both perennials and fast-growing ephemerals.
• Collectors prize vintage ephemerals like old postcards and tickets.