Not until the 13th century was our word dream used in the sense of “a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep.” The word itself is considerably older. In Old English dream means “joy,” “noise,” or “music.” Yet the change in meaning did not come from the development of a more specialized sense. Rather it appears that after many Scandinavian conflicts, conquests, and settlements in Britain the Old Norse draumr, meaning “a dream during sleep,” influenced the meaning of the etymologically related, English word. By the end of the 14th century the earlier meanings had been entirely replaced.
Noun He had a dream about climbing a mountain. You were in my dream last night. I've found the man of my dreams. They succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would be so much fun. If you think the work will be easy, you're living in a dream world. He has had a lifelong dream of becoming an actor. It's a dream of mine to own a house in the country. Tell me your hopes and dreams. Making it to the Olympics was a dream come true. Verb Did it really happen or did I just dream it? He tends to dream big but he never really does the things he dreams of doing. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
While growing their businesses, the couple are also building their dream home from the ground up. Topher Gauk-roger, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2022 That is my dream, to one day have the voice of Streisand or Kristin Chenoweth or somebody who can really belt. Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2022 Our dream was to play onstage and to be able to provide for our families. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 7 Sep. 2022 Westbrook experienced that kind of failure last season when his homecoming dream transformed into a nightmare. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2022 Her arts center was made possible with the help of some of her friends and colleagues, who stepped up when Allen wasn't sure if her dream to expand would work out. Sara Sidner, CNN, 7 Sep. 2022 Cruz was a guy who refused to give up on his dream.The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2022 Not that the show at the City National Grove of Anaheim — one of several SoCal appearances this week by Costello, with and without Lowe in tow — needed its crowning dream-teaminess to come up aces. Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Sep. 2022 Being positive and looking forward to another opportunity pushes Dyer toward his dream. José M. Romero, The Arizona Republic, 31 Aug. 2022
Verb
Lance is a terrific athlete who can make runs and throws that Garoppolo can only dream of. Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Sep. 2022 While the focus remains on helping those most in need, this is truly an unbelievable collection of bottles that most people only dream about getting their hands on. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2022 In The New York Times, Michelle Goldberg has congratulated the British and our system of parliamentary government on the expeditious way an unworthy head of government can be removed, something Americans can only dream of. Geoffrey Wheatcroft, The New Republic, 9 Aug. 2022 Filmmaker Coodie has been following West since the advent of his career, so the doc contains the sort of intimate footage most music biographers can only dream about. Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 30 July 2022 Ventana Sur has also released bullish attendance figures for its most recent editions which other events in Latin America can only dream of. John Hopewell, Variety, 4 July 2022 Fisher has a skin on the wall Kiffin and Leach could only dream of to this point — a national title at Florida State in 2013. Brent Zwerneman, San Antonio Express-News, 17 May 2022 Those who dream of experiencing the luxurious feel of a hotel bed at home can make that wish come true with this duvet cover from Cuddledown. Lexie Sachs, Good Housekeeping, 26 Aug. 2022 The Highwood Bodhi Pergola and Weatherly Swing Set is made for those who dream of spending some leisurely time rocking back and forth outdoors. Samantha S. Thorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English dreem, from Old English drēam noise, joy, and Old Norse draumr dream; akin to Old High German troum dream