rapid eye movement
noun
: a rapid conjugate movement of the eyes associated especially with REM sleep
Examples of rapid eye movement in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Most of our dreams, especially vivid ones, happen during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
—
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2025
There is, however, preliminary evidence of another group being more likely to have NDEs: those who are prone to REM sleep intrusion, a condition that occurs when rapid eye movement (REM) sleep intrudes into wakefulness and blends elements of dreaming and waking.
—Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 14 May 2024
Drinking alcohol before bed raises blood alcohol content, which disrupts rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep, a critical phase of the sleep cycle responsible for cognitive functions such as memory, concentration and mood regulation.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Melatonin supplements can increase the time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is a sleep stage associated with more vivid dreams or nightmares.
—Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rapid eye movement
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.
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2025
There is, however, preliminary evidence of another group being more likely to have NDEs: those who are prone to REM sleep intrusion, a condition that occurs when rapid eye movement (REM) sleep intrudes into wakefulness and blends elements of dreaming and waking.
—Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 14 May 2024
Drinking alcohol before bed raises blood alcohol content, which disrupts rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep, a critical phase of the sleep cycle responsible for cognitive functions such as memory, concentration and mood regulation.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Melatonin supplements can increase the time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is a sleep stage associated with more vivid dreams or nightmares.
—Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rapid eye movement
Cite this Entry
“Rapid eye movement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid%20eye%20movement. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
rapid eye movement
noun
rap·id eye movement
ˈrap-əd- 
: a rapid conjugate movement of the eyes associated especially with REM sleep
called also REM
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share