pipe dream

noun

Synonyms of pipe dreamnext
: an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story

Synonyms of pipe dream

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Examples of pipe dream in a Sentence

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.
Super Bowl is a pipe dream so why not just develop and compete. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Without hands-free charging, fully autonomous robotaxi fleets remain a pipe dream. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026 Although Koerte believes Europe needs to develop greater AI capabilities, complete sovereignty remains a pipe dream. — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026 How could this kid from the cornfields of Illinois say no to that kind of pipe dream? — Robert Greenblatt, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pipe dream

Word History

Etymology

from the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pipe dream was in 1890

Rhymes for pipe dream

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Browse Nearby Words

pipe down
pipe dream
piped rot
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Cite this Entry

“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipe%20dream. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pipe dream

noun
: an unreal and fantastic idea, wish, or story
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