Search Dictionary
Definition of mayfly

mayfly

/ˈmeɪ.flaɪ/
may · fly
Plural:mayflies
JUMP TO:

mayfly Lexical Profile

mayfly Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A delicate aquatic insect of the order Ephemeroptera, characterized by transparent membranous wings and long tail appendages, noted for living only a very short time in its adult stage.

Example

"Thousands of mayflies hatched from the river surface at dusk, dancing in the air before completing their brief life cycle."

2

An artificial fishing lure designed to imitate the natural aquatic insect, commonly used by anglers in fly fishing.

Example

"The angler tied a dry mayfly to the end of the leader, hoping to entice a rising trout from the deep pool."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mayfly

• Rhymes for mayfly

• Nearby Words

maybug
mayday
mayflower
mayfly
mayhaw
mayhem
mayo

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from 'May', referring to the month when these insects frequently emerge in large numbers, combined with 'fly'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mayfly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mayfly
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.