rapid eye movement

noun

: a rapid conjugate movement of the eyes associated especially with REM sleep

Examples of rapid eye movement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unfortunately, Rue was diagnosed with REM (rapid eye movement) disorder and a trauma response problem. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 Just like humans, dogs go through sleep cycles, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is when the most vivid dreams happen. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024 One of these is REM, which stands for rapid eye movements. Beth Ann Malow, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2024 The propagating wave sleep could be compared to the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage in humans. Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rapid eye movement 

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapid eye movement was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near rapid eye movement

Cite this Entry

“Rapid eye movement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid%20eye%20movement. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rapid eye movement

noun
: rapid movement of the eyes which occurs during the dreaming period of sleep

Medical Definition

rapid eye movement

noun
rap·​id eye movement ˈrap-əd- How to pronounce rapid eye movement (audio)
: a rapid conjugate movement of the eyes associated especially with REM sleep

called also REM

More from Merriam-Webster on rapid eye movement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!