Will-o'-the-wisp – 1. a phosphorescent light seen hovering over marshy ground at night 2. something that seems impossible to catch

(Pronounced wil-oh-thuh-wisp)

To remember the definition of the word will-o'-the-wisp, use the following mnemonic:

The wildebeest followed the whispering (will-o'-the-wisp) voice. It seemed impossible to reach the source of the voice, but it led him to a phosphorescent light that hovered over the marshy ground at night. 

Examples of  will-o'-the-wisp in a sentence (a phosphorescent light seen hovering over marshy ground at night)

They were lost in the mash at night with only the will-o'-the-wisp to light their way. 

The will-o'-the-wisp gave the marshland an earie atmosphere at night. 

They were hoping the will-o'-the-wisp would provide them enough light to finish making their tent. 

Examples of  will-o'-the-wisp in a sentence (something that seems impossible to catch)

Winning the lottery was the will-o'-the-wisp she wasted money on every week. 

After the constant set backs and delays, meeting the deadline was seeming more and more like a will-o'-the-wisp.

After losing her job, her plans to travel the world had become nothing more than a will-o'-the-wisp.