daydream

1 of 2

noun

day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm How to pronounce daydream (audio)
: a pleasant visionary usually wishful creation of the imagination
daydreamlike adjective

daydream

2 of 2

verb

daydreamed; daydreaming; daydreams

intransitive verb

: to have a daydream
daydreamer noun

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
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.
Noun
In pieces on patriotism as a kind of madness, on the long history of Polish and Russian colonizations and cultural appropriations of Ukraine, on the ways communities fantasize and share their daydreams, and others, Janion creates wormholes between past and present. Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025 The series can feel like a collective daydream. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
Anderson’s title lacks Pynchon’s pith but daydreams a culture of never-ending political obstruction and pandemonium. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025 The voices behind Huntr/x — Ejae, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna — appear in the sketch when Thomas begins to daydream. Thania Garcia, Variety, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daydream

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daydream was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daydream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daydream. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

daydream

1 of 2 noun
day·​dream ˈdā-ˌdrēm How to pronounce daydream (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce daydream (audio)
: a visionary creation of the imagination experienced while awake
especially : a gratifying reverie usually of wish fulfillment
daydream intransitive verb
daydreamer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on daydream

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!