will-o'-the-wisp

American  

[wil-uh-thuh-wisp] / ˈwɪl ə ðəˈwɪsp /

noun

1. ignis fatuus.

2. anything that deludes or misleads by luring on.

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will-o'-the-wisp British  

/ ˌwɪləðəˈwɪsp /

noun

1. Also called: friar's lantern, ignis fatuus, jack-o'-lantern. a pale flame or phosphorescence sometimes seen over marshy ground at night. It is believed to be due to the spontaneous combustion of methane or other hydrocarbons originating from decomposing organic matter

2. a person or thing that is elusive or allures and misleads

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Other Word Forms

• will-o'-the-wispish
  adjective
• willo'-the-wispish
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of will-o'-the-wisp

1600–10; originally Will (i.e., William) with the wisp; see wisp

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

will-o'-the-wisp

More myths would have surrounded the eerie blue glow of will-o'-the-wisp – methane from peat beds burning over the top of the marshes.

From BBC ● Dec. 25, 2024

The idea of parliamentary elections, in principle scheduled for September, at this point is only a will-o’-the-wisp.

From Washington Times ● May 7, 2018

The eccentric Ingle would flash "The Bomber's" will-o'-the-wisp routine in so-called exhibitions held amid smoke-filled Sheffield social clubs that amounted to little more than Graham tormenting have-a-go drunks with his hands held behind his back.

From The Guardian ● Mar. 18, 2013

Around New York City, it seemed, there was a tiny enclave of impassioned, well-fed so-and-sos who had all gone mad for this will-o’-the-wisp of a savory.

From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2011

“What did I do, Jane? I transformed myself into a will-o’-the-wisp.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

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