dreamy

American  

[dree-mee] / ˈdri mi /

adjective

dreamier, dreamiest

1. of the nature of or characteristic of dreams; visionary.

2. vague; dim.

3. soothing; restful; quieting.

   dreamy music.

4. given to daydreaming or reverie.

5. abounding in dreams; characterized by or causing dreams.

6. Informal. wonderful; marvelous.

   He has a dreamy new convertible.

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dreamy British  

/ ˈdriːmɪ /

adjective

1. vague or impractical

2. resembling a dream in quality

3. relaxing; gentle

   dreamy music

4. informal wonderful

5. having dreams, esp daydreams

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dreaminess
  noun
• dreamily
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of dreamy

First recorded in 1560–70; dream + -y ¹

Explanation

Things that are dreamy seem slightly strange and unreal, but in a lovely way. A dreamy tune on the radio might make you close your eyes and smile. Your favorite tea shop might have a dreamy atmosphere, and your favorite movie might be slow and dreamy, with dreamlike images and meditative music. If a person is dreamy, she tends to live in her head, thinking or daydreaming. Informally, you can also describe something or someone that's wonderful or nice to look at as dreamy: "He's my favorite singer, and he's so dreamy." This casual meaning began as US teen slang in the 1940s.

Related Words

• fanciful
• introspective
• nightmarish
• otherworldly
• pensive
• quixotic
• utopian
• whimsical