daydream

1 of 2

noun

day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm 

: a pleasant visionary usually wishful creation of the imagination

daydreamlike

ˈdā-ˌdrēm-ˌlīk 

adjective

daydream

2 of 2

verb

daydreamed; daydreaming; daydreams

intransitive verb

: to have a daydream

daydreamer noun

Synonyms

Noun

• chimera
• conceit
• delusion
• dream
• fancy
• fantasy
• phantasy
• figment
• hallucination
• illusion
• nonentity
• phantasm
• fantasm
• pipe dream
• unreality
• vision

Examples of daydream in a Sentence

Noun

I drifted off in a daydream during the class.

hoped that one day world peace would be a reality and not just a daydream

Verb

Instead of studying, he spent the afternoon daydreaming about his vacation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The rest of this season is now just a prelude to another coaching search and more daydreams about how great the future is going to be once the Bears finally figure out how to win. —Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

Ryan My daydreams consist of Playing in the World Cup. – Parker Writing more music. —Charles Moss, SPIN, 30 Oct. 2024

Verb

The Bills are 9-2, and Western New York is already daydreaming about another playoff run. —Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

The Roma playmaker produced career-best form to lead Italy to a 3-0 win over Norway, allowing Spalletti to daydream a little about his future options. —David Ferrini, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1820, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

daydream

1 of 2 noun

day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm 

: a dreamy sequence of usually happy or pleasant imaginings

daydream

2 of 2 verb

: to have a daydream

daydreamer noun

Medical Definition

daydream

noun

day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm 

: a visionary creation of the imagination experienced while awake

especially : a gratifying reverie usually of wish fulfillment

daydream intransitive verb

daydreamer noun