“Ream” is a word with two everyday meanings. First, it’s a measure of paper: one ream equals 500 sheets. Second, it can be a verb meaning to enlarge, scrape, or scold someone harshly.
In daily life, you’ll hear “I need two reams of printer paper for the office” or “The plumber reamed out the pipe to clear the clog.” People also say, “My boss reamed me for missing the deadline,” meaning they got a serious talking-to.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• Noun: “Could you grab a ream of A4 paper?” (500 sheets)
• Verb: “The mechanic reamed the cylinder to fit the new parts.”
• Verb (informal): “She reamed him out for forgetting their anniversary.”
Context / Common Use
Office workers ask for reams of paper. Builders, plumbers, and machinists “ream” holes to make them bigger or smoother. Friends and coworkers use “ream” informally when someone is getting scolded.
How many sheets in a ream?
A standard ream is 500 sheets.
Is “ream” only about paper?
No. It also works as a verb meaning to enlarge or clean a hole, and informally to scold someone.
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