# daydream

/ˈdeɪˌdɹim/ (US) · /dˈeɪdɹiːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/daydream
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. pleasant waking thoughts

noun · CEFR B1

a dream-like series of thoughts you have while you are awake.

For teachers: a sequence of pleasant thoughts or fantasies experienced while awake, often as a form of escapism.

- He was lost in a daydream about winning the lottery and quitting his job.
- Her afternoon was spent in a pleasant daydream, imagining the quiet life she would lead once the busy semester finally concluded.

Usage: Commonly used with the prepositions 'in' or 'about'.

## Examples

- He had a daydream about winning the lottery.
- She spent the entire afternoon in a daydream about her future wedding, completely ignoring the phone calls from her boss.
- While a brief daydream can be a harmless escape from the monotony of daily life, a persistent one may indicate a lack of engagement with the immediate environment or a deeper psychological need for change.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.