English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

dream

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈdɹim/ UK /dɹˈiːm/ dream UK spelling dreamed, Dreams

infinitive dream past dreamed / dreamt past participle dreamed / dreamt

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.the stories, pictures, or feelings you have in your mind while you are asleep.

    n.a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.

    Simple

    I had a strange dream last night about flying over the ocean.

    In context

    Neurologists suggest that the vivid dreams experienced during REM sleep may play a crucial role in memory consolidation and emotional processing.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.something that you really want to happen in the future.

    n.a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.

    Simple

    Her dream is to become a professional pilot and travel the world.

    In context

    The young entrepreneur worked tirelessly to turn his childhood dream of launching a sustainable tech company into a profitable reality.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    v.to experience stories or images in your mind while you are asleep.

    v.to experience dreams during sleep; often takes the preposition 'about'.

    Simple

    I often dream about my childhood home when I am feeling stressed.

    In context

    Although she rarely remembers the details, she tends to dream more frequently when the temperature in the room is slightly cooler.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'about' or 'of'.

    Pitfall
    I dreamed with you last night. I dreamed about you last night.

    In English, you dream 'about' or 'of' someone, not 'with' them.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.to think about something you want very much, even if it seems unlikely.

    v.to indulge in daydreams or to contemplate a possibility as an aspirational goal.

    Simple

    He spent the whole afternoon dreaming of his upcoming summer holiday.

    In context

    Many people dream of winning the lottery, yet few consider the practical complications that sudden wealth often brings.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate

    adj.describing something that is perfect or exactly what you wanted.

    adj.representing an ideal or perfect version of something; used attributively before a noun.

    Simple

    They finally found their dream house near the beach.

    In context

    After years of saving, she was finally able to afford her dream car, complete with all the modern safety features she required.

    Usage

    Always placed before the noun it describes.

Usage dream come · dream job · dream of becoming

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated