a quantity of paper, formerly 480 sheets, now usually 500 sheets or 516 sheets, a large amount of something

ream off, ream out, reams and reams

Formal and Informal Expressions of ream

In different contexts, you can replace 'ream' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'quantity, amount' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'ton, load' is a commonplace synonym.

ream: Explore its Definition & Usage

ream Definition

1a quantity of paper, formerly 480 sheets, now usually 500 sheets or 516 sheets
2a large amount of something

Using ream: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ream" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I need to buy a ream of paper for the printer.
Example
He has a ream of ideas for his new project.
Example
She wrote a ream of notes during the lecture.

ream Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ream

Phrases with ream

ream off
to recite or list something at length
Example
He can ream off all the capitals of the world.
ream out
to scold or criticize someone severely
Example
The boss reamed out the employee for being late again.
reams and reams
a large quantity of something
Example
She has written reams and reams of poetry.

Origins of ream

from Old French 'rayme', from Spanish 'resma', meaning 'bundle'

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Summary: ream in Brief

The term 'ream' [riːm] refers to a quantity of paper, typically 500 or 516 sheets, or a large amount of something. It is often used in phrases like 'ream off,' meaning to recite or list something at length, and 'ream out,' meaning to scold or criticize someone severely. 'Reams and reams' denotes a large quantity of something.