dream |drēm|

noun

a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep : I had a recurrent dream about falling from great heights.

• [in sing. ] a state of mind in which someone is or seems to be unaware of their immediate surroundings : he had been walking around in a dream all day.

• a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal : I fulfilled a childhood dream when I became champion | the girl of my dreams | [as adj. ] they'd found their dream home.

• an unrealistic or self-deluding fantasy : maybe he could get a job and earn some money—but he knew this was just a dream.

• a person or thing perceived as wonderful or perfect : her new man's an absolute dream | it was a dream of a backhand | she's a couturier's dream.

verb ( past and past part. dreamed or dreamt |dremt|) [ intrans. ]

1 experience dreams during sleep : I dreamed about her last night.

• [ trans. ] see, hear, or feel (something) in a dream : maybe you dreamed it | [with clause ] I dreamed that I was going to be executed.

• indulge in daydreams or fantasies, typically about something greatly desired : she had dreamed of a trip to Italy.

• [ trans. ] ( dream time away) waste one's time in a lazy, unproductive way.

2 [with negative ] contemplate the possibility of doing something or that something might be the case : I wouldn't dream of foisting myself on you | [with clause ] I never dreamed anyone would take offense.

ORIGIN Middle English : of Germanic origin, related to Dutch droom and German Traum, and probably also to Old English drēam [joy, music.]