View synonyms for teem

teem

[ teem ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

to abound or swarm; be prolific or fertile (usually followed by with ).
Synonyms: bristle, overrun, brim, overflow
Obsolete. to be or become pregnant; bring forth young.

verb (used with object)

Obsolete. to produce (offspring).

teem

[ teem ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with or without object)

to empty or pour out; discharge.

teem

/ tiːm /

verb

intrusually foll bywith to be prolific or abundant (in); abound (in)
obsolete.
to bring forth (young)

teem

/ tiːm /

verb

intr; often foll by down or with rain to pour in torrents
it's teeming down
tr to pour or empty out

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Derived Forms

ˈteemer, noun

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Other Word Forms

teemer noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of teem¹

before 900; Middle English temen, Old English tēman, tīeman to produce (offspring), derivative of tēam team

Origin of teem²

1250–1300; Middle English temen < Old Norse tæma to empty, derivative of tōmr empty, cognate with Old English tōm free from

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Word History and Origins

Origin of teem¹

Old English tēman to produce offspring; related to West Saxon tīeman; see team

Origin of teem²

C15 temen to empty, from Old Norse tœma; related to Old English tōm, Old High German zuomīg empty

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Soon, though, it will teem with teens: Palisades Charter High School is expected to reopen there in late April.

From Los Angeles Times

The last party chairman, former legislative leader Brulte, had an Rolodex teeming with donors.

From Los Angeles Times

A wide open green space big enough for two boys to pass their soccer ball back and forth gives way to a greenhouse teeming with “wishlist plants.”

From Los Angeles Times

How did Sifa, a peanut seller, wind up behind bars in a teeming prison with her daughter?

From BBC

After the 2020 election, Patel emerged as an aggressive backer of Trump who claimed that the FBI, along with the news media and other institutions, was teeming with conspirators plotting to destroy Trump.

From Salon

Related Words

teek teeming

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