pipe dream

noun

: an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story

Synonyms of pipe dream

• dream
• illusion
• daydream
• fantasy
• vision
• castle in the air
• castle in Spain

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

At the time, Republicans were racing to prioritize other competitive races across the country — and most people in both parties still saw South Carolina as a pipe dream for Democrats. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Even though a meaningful attempt at reform is still years away and universal health care in any form might seem like a progressive pipe dream, the industry is not sitting idly by. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 29 Oct. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

from the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pipe dream

• academe
• cherubim
• elohim
• episteme
• seraphim
• abeam
• airstream
• bloodstream
• daydream
• downstream
• esteem
• extreme

Kids Definition

pipe dream

noun

: an unreal and fantastic idea, wish, or story