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

Then one year — huge year for me, career-wise — I had like six nominations with the “Daydream” album and “One Sweet Day” and “Always Be My Baby” and “Fantasy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Kristofferson reached No. 1 one more time with Jimmy Webb’s metaphysical daydream, which he recorded as a member of the Highwaymen alongside Cash, Nelson and Waylon Jennings.

From Los Angeles Times

That is the daydream that Democrats have, anyway.

From Slate

“One could see the work at 8 a.m., 3 p.m., or midnight,” Wilson wrote, “and the play would always be there.... It would be a bit like going to a park where you could daydream, watch clouds change, observe people passing, and even read a book, then suddenly there would appear a prepared stage work combining the real with the surreal.”

From Los Angeles Times

Then, the night before the first day, I would lay out my look — backpack and all — and daydream about how I was going to show up the next day.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pipe dream
• reverie