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

Etymology

Origin of will-o'-the-wisp

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

Example Sentences

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

Instead, for some reason, he followed Javy Báez down the line, as if Javy Báez was a will-o’-the-wisp.

From Slate • May 27, 2021

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

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

But the little light version slipped through her fingers like a will-o'-the-wisp.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton