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Definition of teem

teem

/tiːm/
teem
Adjective:teeming
•
Past Simple:teemed
•
Past Participle:teemed
•
Present Participle:teeming
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teem Lexical Profile

teem Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To be full of or swarming with something; to abound (usually followed by 'with').

Example

"The protected coral reef continues to teem with vibrant marine life."

2

To fall or pour down heavily (especially of rain or water).

Example

"The rain began to teem down just as the outdoor concert started."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for teem
Antonyms
View all antonyms for teem

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'teem' (to abound or swarm, typically followed by 'with') with its homophone 'team' (a group of people working together or to join forces).

• Rhymes for teem

• Nearby Words

tediousness
tedium
tee
teem
teeming
teen
teenage

Word Origin & Etymology

The sense 'to abound' derives from Old English 'teman' ('to bring forth or give birth to'), related to 'team' in its original sense of offspring or family. The sense 'to pour heavily' comes from a separate Old Norse root, 'tæma', meaning 'to empty'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Teem. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/teem
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