pipe dream

noun

: an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story

Examples of pipe dream in a Sentence

His plan for starting his own business was just a pipe dream. opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The self-driving car is simultaneously a pipe dream and sort of, kind of the reality of many Americans. Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2024 The notion of a championship seems very far away, a pipe dream. Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 14 Sep. 2024 While Nasreen certainly does deserve to reclaim her true self, the notion that no one will get hurt in the process is a bit of a pipe dream. Lauren Wissot, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2024 But for many, that’s a pipe dream, and as the season goes along, the realization sets in that the A’s will be gone for good as far as Oakland is concerned. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for pipe dream 

Word History

Etymology

from the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pipe dream was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near pipe dream

Cite this Entry

“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipe%20dream. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pipe dream

noun
: an unreal and fantastic idea, wish, or story
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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