noun
ream
reem
Ream (noun) means a large standard bundle of paper, traditionally 500 sheets. Example: “He grabbed a fresh ream of paper for the printer.”
noun
1
A large standard bundle of paper, traditionally 500 sheets.
"He grabbed a fresh ream of paper for the printer."
2
Informally, a huge amount of documents, data, or writing.
"The lawyers submitted reams of evidence to support their case."
verb
1
To widen or smooth out a hole using a specialized rotating tool.
"The mechanic reamed the bolt hole to fit the larger pin."
2
Informally, to scold someone harshly.
"His boss reamed him out for missing the deadline."
How to use ream
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly used for a large bundle of paper (or figuratively, a huge stack of documents) — as a verb it can also mean to widen a hole with a tool, or informally, to yell at someone.
Common pairings
a ream of paper
reams of paperwork
ream someone out
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Word forms
- Plural
- reams
- Third person singular
- reams
- Past tense
- reamed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He grabbed a fresh _____ of paper for the printer.
Etymology
From Old English rēam ("cream"); the paper-quantity sense entered English later via Old French and ultimately Arabic rizma, "bundle."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ream
See all rhymes for ream →Frequently asked questions
What does “ream” mean?
The word “ream” means a large standard bundle of paper, traditionally 500 sheets. In plain terms, mostly used for a large bundle of paper (or figuratively, a huge stack of documents) — as a verb it can also mean to widen a hole with a tool, or informally, to yell at someone.
How do you pronounce “ream”?
“Ream” is pronounced reem (/ɹiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “ream” in a sentence?
Here is “ream” used in a sentence: “He grabbed a fresh ream of paper for the printer.”
What is another word for “ream”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ream” include nail, root and tap.
What part of speech is “ream”?
Depending on how it is used, “ream” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ream” come from?
The word “ream” comes from Old French. From Old English rēam ("cream"); the paper-quantity sense entered English later via Old French and ultimately Arabic rizma, "bundle.".
How many meanings does “ream” have?
“Ream” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large standard bundle of paper, traditionally 500 sheets.
