Definition
mayfly
noun
- a delicate winged insect that lives for only a short time as an adult, typically emerging in large numbers near water in late spring or summer
- something that is short-lived or ephemeral
Usage: figurative
Examples
- Thousands of mayflies emerged from the lake at sunset.
- The mayfly’s adult stage lasts only a few hours or days.
- Fishermen often use artificial mayflies as bait.
- The mayfly swarm created a cloud above the river.
- Her fame was like a mayfly, brilliant but brief.
- The mayfly’s wings are transparent and delicate.
- Trout feed heavily during mayfly hatches.