noun

dreamcatcher

DREEM-kach-er

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Dreamcatcher (noun) means a decorative hoop strung with a net and hung with feathers or other charms, traditionally believed by the Ojibwa people to keep bad dreams away. Example: “A dreamcatcher hung above the child's bed, its feathers turning slowly.”

noun

A decorative hoop strung with a net and hung with feathers or other charms, traditionally believed by the Ojibwa people to keep bad dreams away.

"A dreamcatcher hung above the child's bed, its feathers turning slowly."

"She bought a handmade dreamcatcher from a craft stall at the fair."

"Dreamcatchers are often given as gifts meant to bring peaceful sleep."

How to use dreamcatcher

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hoop-and-net charm hung up to keep away bad dreams.

When to use it

It is a plain, everyday noun with no formal or technical register.

Memory tip

It can be written as one word or two, dreamcatcher or dream catcher; both spellings are used.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

hang a dreamcatcher handmade dreamcatcher dreamcatcher above the bed

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ hung above the child's bed, its feathers turning slowly.

Etymology

Dreamcatcher is a straightforward compound of dream and catcher, describing an object meant to catch or filter dreams.

Origin: English

Rhymes for dreamcatcher

watcher hatcher snatcher thatcher scratcher oystercatcher

See all rhymes for dreamcatcher →

Frequently asked questions

What does a dreamcatcher do?

It is traditionally believed to filter out bad dreams, an idea associated with the Ojibwa people.

What is a dreamcatcher made of?

It is typically a hoop with a woven net across it, decorated with attachments such as feathers.

Where does the word dreamcatcher come from?

It simply combines dream and catcher, reflecting the object's traditional purpose.

What is the meaning of dreamcatcher?

"dreamcatcher" (noun) means a decorative hoop strung with a net and hung with feathers or other charms, traditionally believed by the Ojibwa people to keep bad dreams away.