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nightmare

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈnaɪtˌmɛr/ · UK /ˈnaɪtmɛə/

Forms: nightmares

nightmare means: A frightening or very unpleasant dream.

noun

BAD DREAMB1

A frightening or very unpleasant dream.

  • I had a nightmare.
  • The child woke up screaming after a nightmare.
  • Do you often have nightmares about falling?

How to use it: a nightmare about something (I had a nightmare about a house fire.)

Similar words: bad dream

Common phrases: have a nightmare, recurring nightmare, terrible nightmare

AWFUL EXPERIENCEB1

A situation or experience that is extremely difficult, upsetting, or frightening.

  • The journey was a nightmare.
  • Finding parking here can be a nightmare.
  • The missing documents turned the sale into a nightmare.

How to use it: a nightmare to do something (This machine is a nightmare to repair.)

Similar words: ordeal, disaster

Common phrases: absolute nightmare, logistical nightmare, be a nightmare

Questions about nightmare

What does nightmare mean?

A frightening or very unpleasant dream.

What is nightmare in other languages?

Türkçe: kâbus · Español: pesadilla · Français: cauchemar · Deutsch: Albtraum · Italiano: incubo · 日本語: 悪夢

How do you pronounce nightmare?

In American English /ˈnaɪtˌmɛr/; in British English /ˈnaɪtmɛə/.

How do you use nightmare in a sentence?

I had a nightmare. The child woke up screaming after a nightmare.

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nightmare in other languages

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