daydream

1 of 2

noun

day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm 

: a pleasant visionary usually wishful creation of the imagination

daydreamlike

ˈdā-ˌdrēm-ˌlīk 

adjective

daydream

2 of 2

verb

daydreamed; daydreaming; daydreams

intransitive verb

: to have a daydream

daydreamer noun

Synonyms of daydream

Noun

• dream
• illusion
• fantasy
• vision

Examples of daydream in a Sentence

Noun

I drifted off in a daydream during the class.

hoped that one day world peace would be a reality and not just a daydream

Verb

Instead of studying, he spent the afternoon daydreaming about his vacation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The one that really makes Ivanka and Jared daydream is located off shore, across the Bay of Vlorë, between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, in the Strait of Otranto that separates Albania from Italy. —Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026

The heady scent—a mix of white florals, amber, and sandalwood—induces daydreams of tanning on a white-sand beach. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 May 2026

Verb

Modern gadgets are damaging our ability to daydream, socialize and perceive the physical world. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Want to daydream about your future home in the mountains? —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 14 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for daydream

• abeam
• airstream
• bloodstream
• downstream
• esteem
• extreme
• grapheme
• hakim
• hornbeam
• lexeme
• mainstream
• midstream

Kids Definition

daydream

1 of 2 noun

day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm 

: a dreamy sequence of usually happy or pleasant imaginings

daydream

2 of 2 verb

: to have a daydream

daydreamer noun

Medical Definition

daydream

noun

day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm 

: a visionary creation of the imagination experienced while awake

especially : a gratifying reverie usually of wish fulfillment

daydream intransitive verb

daydreamer noun