daydream

[dey-dreem]

noun

1. a reverie indulged in while awake.

verb (used without object)

1. to indulge in such a reverie.

   Synonyms: woolgather, muse, dream, fantasize

daydream

/ ˈdeɪˌdriːm /

noun

1. a pleasant dreamlike fantasy indulged in while awake; idle reverie

2. a pleasant scheme or wish that is unlikely to be fulfilled; pipe dream

verb

1. (intr) to have daydreams; indulge in idle fantasy

Other Word Forms

• daydreamer noun
• daydreamy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of daydream¹

First recorded in 1675–85; day + dream

Example Sentences

Fuel those escapist daydreams with travel inspiration ideal for decorating dreary cubicles.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She doesn’t need many words to create an entire landscape, and repeatedly, the reader will find that they’re daydreaming right alongside our heroine.

Read more on Salon

“I’ve had all sorts of daydreams about every pitching thing possible as a kid — relieving, closing out a game, starting in the World Series,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On the itchy, impatient Can Time Move Faster, she daydreams about escaping its grasp.

Read more on BBC

Turn this one on, and in no time you’ll find yourself swaying side to side, daydreaming about the love you never expected but can’t imagine letting go.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pipe dream 
• reverie