verb
C2
Proficient
teem
Teem (verb) means to be so full that something is almost spilling over.
verb
1
To be so full that something is almost spilling over.
2
To be present in very large numbers.
"Risk is everywhere. From tabloid headlines insisting that coffee causes cancer (yesterday, of course, it cured it) to stern government warnings about alcohol and driving, the world is teeming with goblins."
— , Snakes and ladders (2013)
3
To fall heavily and in great abundance.
"Rain teemed from a moonless sky. Splashing in white dashes on the boating lake. Puddles grew at the feet of a man in a crash helmet and a long dark riding coat. Rain streamed down his goggles as he watched Miriam's window."
— John Swinfield, Knock Down Ginger (2014)
4
To produce young or fruit; to be pregnant, or to multiply.
Easily confused with
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Etymology
Came into English from Middle English temen (“to bear, to support”), which developed from Anglian Old English tēman (“to give birth”) (West Saxon Old English tīeman), in turn from Proto-West Germanic *taumijan (“to bridle”), from Proto-Germanic *taumijaną, from *taumaz (“bridle”, which continues in Modern English as team).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for teem
See all rhymes for teem →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of teem?
"teem" (verb) means to be so full that something is almost spilling over.
What is another word for teem?
Other words for "teem" include pour, stream, pullulate, swarm.
What are the different meanings of teem?
"teem" has 3 main meanings: 1. To be so full that something is almost spilling over; 2. To be present in very large numbers; 3. To fall heavily and in great abundance.
