dreamer

[ dree-mer ]

noun

1. a person who dreams:

   The dream provides insights into the interior life of the dreamer, or so say many psychotherapists.

2. a person who lives in a world of fantasy; one who is impractical and unrealistic:

   The phrase "economically illiterate" has long been used to smear leftists as unrealistic utopian dreamers.

3. a person whose ideas or projects are considered audacious or highly speculative; visionary:

   Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was considered a dreamer—and what a wonderful dream it is!

4. Usually Dreamer. Sometimes DREAMer. a person who qualifies for DACA or the Dream Act.

dreamer

/ ˈdriːmə /

noun

1. a person who dreams habitually
2. a person who lives in or escapes to a world of fantasy or illusion; escapist
3. archaic.
   a prophet; visionary

Word History and Origins

Origin of dreamer¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; dreamer def 4 first recorded in 2010–15; Middle English; dream, -er ¹( def )

Example Sentences

He was also a “dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Everybody’s a dreamer / And everybody’s a star / And everybody’s in movies / It doesn’t matter who you are.”

From Los Angeles Times

He’s a dreamer who’s not allowed to dream.

From Los Angeles Times

“Lucy-Bleu was a talented artist, a passionate dreamer, and a charming, lovable, sweet soul,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

“For us,” Smith continues, “it is a love letter to all of our audiences. We see you. We hear you. We want you to be with us. This character is so worldly. Tiana is a princess, but yet she’s an entrepreneur. She’s a doer. She’s a dreamer. She’s all these things. We just felt what a great opportunity this was to give people a celebration.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• idealist