His plan for starting his own business was just a pipe dream.
opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream
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.
But instant 100% tariffs look like a pipe dream given the constraints of the trade law.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026 Once a pipe dream, the idea of a federal film subsidy now seems like a real possibility.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
16 June 2026 October is no longer a pipe dream for the Sox, so plan the rest of your summer accordingly.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026 To Victoria Toomey, the prospect of one day owning a house felt like a pipe dream.—
Matan Josephy,
Idaho Statesman,
13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pipe dream
Word History
Etymology
from the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium