What does ream mean?
A “ream” most commonly means a large quantity of paper. The unit has traditionally been described as 20 quires, and in modern use it often refers to a bundle of approximately 500 sheets, although commercial conventions can vary. The word can also mean an extremely large amount of something: writers may say that a report contains “a ream of information” or that there is “a ream of paperwork.” This extended use is informal and often mildly hyperbolic, suggesting not merely a large quantity but an overwhelming one. In technical contexts, “ream” is also a verb meaning to enlarge or finish a hole by boring or scraping it. The noun is countable, and its standard plural is “reams.” Together, its meanings connect the physical bundle of paper with the idea of abundance, making it a useful word for describing both concrete supplies and excessive amounts of information or work.
A quantity of paper consisting traditionally of 20 quires and commonly about 500 sheets; by extension, a very large amount of something.
"The studio purchased several reams of paper before the exhibition opened."
The paper-unit sense is formal and commercial. The figurative sense, such as “a ream of forms,” is informal and often implies an excessive amount.
To enlarge or shape a hole by boring or scraping it, especially with a reamer.
"The technician reamed the hole to fit the larger bolt."
This is a technical verb used in machining and woodworking.
Use the plural when referring to separate quantities of paper or multiple large amounts of something.
"The office still has two reams of printer paper in storage."
A ream is the heavyweight of paper quantities: what a stack of sheets is to paper, a ream is to ordinary bundles.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ream come from?
The word “ream” comes through Middle English and Old French from a Latin word meaning a bundle or package, ultimately associated with a term for a bundle of paper or manuscripts. The word has historical links with forms in Arabic and Greek referring to a bundle or heap, in turn connected with the Greek word for “root.” Its modern use developed from the paper-trade sense of a standardized large quantity of sheets, while the figurative sense follows the general idea of abundance.
How ream is actually used
As a unit of paper, “ream” is mainly used in office, publishing, and printing contexts. The expression “a ream of” is informal and often exaggerates the amount involved. The verb is technical and is associated with machining or woodworking.