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What is the Meaning of “Dream”?

Dream
/driːm/

Pictures and stories that happen in your mind when you are sleeping

Definition of Dream

Quick Meaning of Dream

Pictures and stories that happen in your mind when you are sleeping

Detailed Definition of Dream

A sequence of images, sounds, and sensations occurring during sleep

How to Pronounce Dream

IPA: /driːm/
dream

Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).

Tip: One syllable: /driːm/. Long 'ee' sound like in 'tree', 'green', 'sleep'. The final 'm' is soft and voiced.

Full pronunciation guide for “dream” →

Origin and Etymology of Dream

Old English 'dream' originally meant joy or music; sense of 'sleep vision' emerged in Middle English.

How to Use Dream in a Sentence

Each example shows “dream” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “Last night I had a strange dream about flying over the ocean.”
    A1 daily
  • “She woke up and tried to remember her dream.”
    A1 daily
  • “His recurring dream made him afraid to fall asleep.”
    B1 daily

Synonyms and Antonyms of Dream

Common Synonyms for Dream

Smart Synonyms for Dream — When to Use Each

vision
for supernatural or prophetic dreams in literary or
fantasy
for imagined scenarios or wishful thinking while awake

See all synonyms for “dream” →

Common Collocations with Dream

These phrases pair with “dream” in everyday English:

  • have a dream
  • bad dream
  • vivid dream
  • dream about
  • sweet dreams

Common Mistakes When Using Dream

Even fluent speakers slip up with “dream”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: I dreamed a very scary dream last night.
✓ Correct: I had a very scary dream last night.
Why: Use 'have' + 'dream' in common speech, not 'dream a dream'.
✗ Wrong: She dreams at night about her vacation.
✓ Correct: She dreams about her vacation at night.
Why: Adverbial phrases of time ('at night') typically come at the end of the sentence for this word.

Other Forms of Dream

Frequently Asked Questions About Dream

What is the meaning of "Dream"?

Pictures and stories that happen in your mind when you are sleeping

How do you pronounce "Dream"?

The IPA is /driːm/. One syllable: /driːm/. Long 'ee' sound like in 'tree', 'green', 'sleep'. The final 'm' is soft and voiced.

What part of speech is "Dream"?

"Dream" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Dream"?

Common synonyms include vision, reverie, fantasy.

How do you use "Dream" in a sentence?

For example: "Last night I had a strange dream about flying over the ocean."

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