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
Examples of 'mayflies' in a sentence
mayflies
For her, the afternoon seemed symbolized by the mayflies she had watched dance above the river, an enjoyment over too soon.
Leasor, James TANK OF SERPENTS
Mayflies danced around and fronds of water buttercup tickled my toes.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The hospital flutters with bits of paper like mayflies.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Mayflies have a long and complex existence before they reach their eyeblink-swift adulthood.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The most present danger to mayflies is the proliferation of solar farms.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
For me the most accurate description of mayflies is also the hardest to pronounce.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
A symbol of transience, mayflies are not as ephemeral as we might think.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They almost have the longevity of mayflies.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
He wishes he was out on the river now the mayflies are up.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In the year 2000, for instance, most of the mayflies were lost in high winds and heavy downpours.