daydream

1 of 2

noun

day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm How to pronounce daydream (audio)
: a pleasant visionary usually wishful creation of the imagination
daydreamlike adjective

daydream

2 of 2

verb

daydreamed; daydreaming; daydreams

intransitive verb

: to have a daydream
daydreamer noun

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
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.
Noun
After all, strategy without execution is a daydream, but execution without strategy is a nightmare. Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 If your daydreams about jetting off on a European vacation keep getting thwarted by your budget and bank account, all hope isn’t lost. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
The drama unfolded after his southern patriarch character Timothy Ratliff daydreamed about shooting himself and his family in the midst of a financial scandal while wearing a Duke t-shirt. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2025 Owen’s too busy daydreaming about his childhood friend, Nora. Laura Bradley, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daydream

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daydream was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daydream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daydream. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

daydream

1 of 2 noun
day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm How to pronounce daydream (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce daydream (audio)
: a visionary creation of the imagination experienced while awake
especially : a gratifying reverie usually of wish fulfillment
daydream intransitive verb
daydreamer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on daydream

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