mayfly

[ mey-flahy ]

noun

, plural may·flies.

1. Also called shadfly. any insect of the order Ephemeroptera, having delicate, membranous wings with the front pair much larger than the rear and having an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage usually lasting less than two days.
2. Also May fly. Angling. an artificial fly made to resemble this insect.

mayfly

/ ˈmeɪˌflaɪ /

noun

1. Also calleddayfly any insect of the order Ephemeroptera (or Ephemerida ). The short-lived adults, found near water, have long tail appendages and large transparent wings; the larvae are aquatic
2. angling an artificial fly resembling this

Word History and Origins

Origin of mayfly¹

First recorded in 1645–55; May + fly ¹

Example Sentences

But, alarmed at his own philosophy, he went to the paddock gate to watch the Mayfly filly canter down.

From Project Gutenberg

The Mayfly filly passed under the hammer at seven hundred and fifty guineas.

From Project Gutenberg

For these articles the season is almost as brief as the season of the mayfly or the grannom.

From Project Gutenberg

Izaak, or his publisher Marriott, cunningly brought out the book at a season when men expect the Mayfly.

From Project Gutenberg

This defect was remedied by a series of alterations, and meanwhile the unofficial title of 'Mayfly' was given to the vessel.

From Project Gutenberg