The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary!

ream

noun

/rim/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of ream

A unit of measurement for paper quantity.
"I bought a ream of printer paper for my home office."

Detailed meaning of ream

It represents a standardized measurement typically used for printing and writing paper. A ream is equivalent to 500 sheets of paper, although the exact number can vary depending on the region or specific industry. It is commonly used as a unit of measurement when purchasing or discussing paper products. The term "ream" is derived from an old French word meaning "bundle," emphasizing the bundled nature of the sheets. A ream of paper is typically packaged together with a protective covering, making it easier to handle, store, and transport. Reams are available in various sizes and types, ranging from letter-sized reams used for everyday printing to larger sizes used for commercial purposes. The noun "ream" represents a standardized quantity of paper sheets, serving as a convenient unit for paper measurement and distribution.

Example sentences containing ream

1. The secretary organized the files and stored them in a ream.
2. The print shop ordered several reams of glossy paper for their brochure printing.
3. She wrote a heartfelt letter and sealed it in an envelope from her ream.
4. The teacher requested each student to bring a ream of lined paper for the class.
5. The office manager stocked the supply room with reams of various paper sizes.
6. The author printed a draft of her novel, using up an entire ream of paper.

History and etymology of ream

The noun 'ream' in the context of a unit of measurement for paper quantity has its etymological roots in Old French. It can be traced back to the Old French word 'rayme,' which denoted a bundle or package of things, often used for counting and measuring. This Old French term was influenced by the Arabic word 'rizmah,' which means a bundle or bale of goods. Over time, as the concept of standardized paper sizes and measurements developed, 'ream' came to represent a specific quantity of paper, usually containing 500 sheets, making it a convenient unit for the paper industry. Thus, the term 'ream' evolved from its historical associations with bundles and packages into its contemporary usage in the realm of paper measurement.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun ream:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of ream

1. The graphic designer sketched her ideas on a blank ream before finalizing the design.
2. The printer ran out of ink halfway through printing a ream of documents.
3. The company's annual report required multiple reams of high-quality paper.
4. The stationery store offered a discount on reams of colored paper for arts and crafts.
5. The accountant kept meticulous records, storing them in reams organized by year.
6. She needed a ream of paper for the office printer.
7. He ordered a ream of stationery for his business.
8. The printer ran out of paper, so we bought a ream.
9. They used an entire ream of paper for the project.
10. The clerk handed me a ream of blank forms.
11. We stocked up on a ream of colored paper for crafting.
12. The copier can hold up to a ream of paper.
13. The office supply store offers reams of recycled paper.
14. She used half a ream of paper for her report.
15. The teacher distributed a ream of handouts to the class.
16. I bought a ream of high-quality paper for the presentation.
17. The printer malfunctioned, jamming an entire ream.
18. We have an extra ream of paper in the storage closet.
19. The manuscript was printed on a ream of parchment.
20. The writers requested a ream of notepads for the workshop.
21. The office manager ordered a ream of envelopes.
22. He mistakenly printed a ream of the wrong documents.
23. The secretary organized the files into a neat ream.
24. The photocopier ran out of paper after a ream's worth.
25. The artist sketched on a ream of drawing paper.