1 B2 neutral
To be full of a large number of living things, people, or activities in lively motion.
"In summer, the rock pools teem with tiny crabs and sea anemones."
inseparable
teem with
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To be full of a large number of living things or people in active movement.
In plain English
To be completely full of lots and lots of things — especially animals or people moving around.
What does "teem with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To be full of ideas, possibilities, or energy (figurative use).
"Her mind was teeming with ideas for the new project."
inseparable
Usage tip
Always used with a complement after 'with'. Usually describes places that are alive with activity, wildlife, or people. Common in nature writing and descriptive prose. Implies vitality and movement, not just a static quantity.
Words that pair with "teem with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
life fish wildlife tourists insects possibilities
How to conjugate "teem with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
teem with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
teems with
he/she/it
Past simple
teemed with
yesterday
Past participle
teemed with
have + pp
-ing form
teeming with
continuous
Hear "teem with" in the wild
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Other ways to say "teem with"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
abound with be alive with be full of bristle with overflow with swarm with
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