C2verbformalnatureurban
US/tiːm/
UK/tiːm/
to be full of living things moving about, especially people or animals
In context
The river teems with fish during the spring months.
The market was teeming with tourists on Sunday afternoon.
Rock pools teem with tiny crabs and shrimp at low tide.
Words that go with teem
verb + preposition
- teem with lifeThe rainforest teems with life.
- teem with touristsThe old town teems with tourists in August.
- teem with wildlifeThe wetlands teem with wildlife in summer.
- teem with peopleStation platforms teem with people at rush hour.
- teem with fishThese waters teem with fish all year round.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The street teems of people.Correct: The street teems with people.