ream

¹ American  

[reem] / rim /

noun

1. a standard quantity of paper, consisting of 20 quires or 500 sheets (formerly 480 sheets), or 516 sheets printer's ream, or perfect ream.

2. Usually reams. a large quantity.

   He has written reams of poetry.

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ream ² American  

[reem] / rim /

verb (used with object)

1. to enlarge to desired size (a previously bored hole) by means of a reamer.

2. to clear with a reamer; remove or press out by reaming.

3. to extract the juice from.

   to ream an orange.

4. Slang.

   1. to scold or reprimand severely (usually followed byout ).

   2. to cheat; defraud.

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ream ¹ British  

/ riːm /

noun

1. a number of sheets of paper, formerly 480 sheets ( short ream ), now 500 sheets ( long ream ) or 516 sheets ( printer's ream or perfect ream ). One ream is equal to 20 quires

2. informal (often plural) a large quantity, esp of written matter

   he wrote reams

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ream ² British  

/ riːm /

verb

1. to enlarge (a hole) by use of a reamer

2. to extract (juice) from (a citrus fruit) using a reamer

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Etymology

Origin of ream¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English rem(e), from Middle French reime, rame, from Spanish rezma, from Arabic rizmah “bale”

Origin of ream²

First recorded in 1805–15; origin uncertain

Explanation

A ream is a quantity of paper sold in a bundle, once comprised of 480 sheets but now rounded up to 500. If you write reams of love letters to your beloved, I hope she appreciates them. Or at least recycles. The word ream has two distinct meanings, depending on whether you use it as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to an amount of paper, its origin from the Arabic rizmah, or "bundle." As a verb, ream is a rough word that can mean "to make a hole in" or "to squeeze." When you "ream someone out" you give them a scolding.

Example Sentences

“John Ream is seeking to engage in a hobby that is as American as apple pie, and certainly a lot older: home distilling,” his filing said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The Justices might soon get that opportunity anyway, since a similar dispute, Ream v.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Founder of tour agency Journey Cambodia, Ream Boret, told AFP bookings were down.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

“He wants to win,” defender Tim Ream said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2024

Ream after ream she had written on the once so fully discussed subjects: What to do with the Cold Mutton; and, How to Keep a Husband's Affection Warm.

From The Disturbing Charm by Ruck, Berta

Related Words

• batch
• bundle
• scad
• stack
• ton