daydream

[ dey-dreem ]

noun

1. a reverie indulged in while awake.

verb (used without object)

1. to indulge in such a reverie.

   Synonyms: woolgather, muse, dream, fantasize

daydream

/ ˈdeɪˌdriːm /

noun

1. a pleasant dreamlike fantasy indulged in while awake; idle reverie
2. a pleasant scheme or wish that is unlikely to be fulfilled; pipe dream

verb

1. intr to have daydreams; indulge in idle fantasy

Derived Forms

• ˈdayˌdreamy, adjective
• ˈdayˌdreamer, noun

Other Words From

• daydreamer noun
• daydreamy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of daydream¹

First recorded in 1675–85; day + dream

Example Sentences

Commander Murphy likened Khalife to the self-aggrandising fictional character Walter Mitty, who daydreamed about extraordinary personal triumphs.

From BBC

"It was quite cathartic. You can go into this headspace where you're almost daydreaming," she said of the latter stages of the race.

From BBC

These are features that California daydreams are made of, and this emergent scene is luring visitors to an outpost 70 miles southeast of downtown San Diego.

From Los Angeles Times

The rookies were roommates during training camp and passed the time by daydreaming about their ambitions for the season.

From Los Angeles Times

In this deluded fantasy, Arthur daydreams about a life full of grandeur and performance with Lee.

From Salon

Related Words

• pipe dream
• reverie