1 will-o\'-the-wisp | Definition of will-o\'-the-wisp
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

will-o'-the-wisp

noun
\ ˌwil-ə-t͟hə-ˈwisp How to pronounce will-o'-the-wisp (audio) \

Definition of will-o'-the-wisp

1 : ignis fatuus sense 1
2 : a delusive or elusive goal
Other Words from will-o'-the-wisp The Mystical Origins of Will-o'-the-Wisp Learn More about will-o'-the-wisp

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from will-o'-the-wisp

will-o'-the-wisp adjective

The Mystical Origins of Will-o'-the-Wisp

The will-o'-the-wisp is a flame-like phosphorescence caused by gases from decaying plants in marshy areas. In olden days, it was personified as "Will with the wisp," a sprite who carried a fleeting "wisp" of light. Foolish travelers were said to try to follow the light and were then led astray into the marsh. (An 18th-century fairy tale described Will as one "who bears the wispy fire to trail the swains among the mire.") The light was first known, and still also is, as ignis fatuus, which in Latin means "foolish fire." Eventually, the name will-o’-the-wisp was extended to any impractical or unattainable goal.

First Known Use of will-o'-the-wisp

circa 1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for will-o'-the-wisp

Will (nickname for William) + of + the + wisp

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for will-o'-the-wisp

will-o'-the-wisp

noun
How to pronounce will-o'-the-wisp (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of will-o'-the-wisp

: a goal that cannot be reached
: a light that sometimes appears at night over wet ground

See the full definition for will-o'-the-wisp in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on will-o'-the-wisp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about will-o'-the-wisp

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!