VocabDictionary

teeming

/ˈtiː.mɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Swarming with activity; brimming or overflowing with people, animals, or things.

Example Sentences:
  • The market square was teeming with vendors, shoppers, and stray cats.
  • Scientists discovered that the deep ocean vents are teeming with bizarre life forms.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “teeming”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English verb 'tēman', meaning 'to give birth, produce, or abound', originating from Proto-Germanic *taumjaną (offspring, brood). Over time, the meaning shifted from reproductive fertility to general abundance, fullness, and swarming activity.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'teeming' as being as full as a 'tea' cup about to overflow ('tea-ming').

Frequently Asked Questions About “teeming

1. What is the meaning of “teeming” in English?

In English, teeming (adjective) is defined as: “Swarming with activity; brimming or overflowing with people, animals, or things.”.

2. How do you use “teeming” in a sentence?

The market square was teeming with vendors, shoppers, and stray cats.

3. What are English synonyms of “teeming”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “teeming”?

Derived from the Old English verb 'tēman', meaning 'to give birth, produce, or abound', originating from Proto-Germanic *taumjaną (offspring, brood). Over time, the meaning shifted from reproductive fertility to general abundance, fullness, and swarming activity.