pipe dream

noun

: an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story

Examples of pipe dream in a Sentence

His plan for starting his own business was just a pipe dream. opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hutchinson’s desire to be back for the Super Bowl sounds more like a pipe dream. Steve Silverman, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 But their plan for transforming it into a venue isn’t a pipe dream. Curbed Editors, Curbed, 20 Dec. 2024 These all may sound like a pipe dream, but our moment requires large-scale change. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 Those numbers, though, may be a pipe dream for many people. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pipe dream 

Word History

Etymology

from the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pipe dream was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near pipe dream

Cite this Entry

“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipe%20dream. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pipe dream

noun
: an unreal and fantastic idea, wish, or story
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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