2 meanings : 1. a royal domain; kingdom (now chiefly in such phrases as Peer of the Realm ) 2. a field of interest, study, etc.... Click for more definitions. The noun ' realm ' traces its origins back to the Old French word 'realme,' which was derived from the Latin term 'regalis,' meaning 'royal' or 'regal.' In its earliest usage, ' realm ' referred to the territory or domain ruled by a monarch, emphasizing the idea of royal authority and sovereignty. Realm is a noun that means an area of activity, interest or knowledge, or a country ruled by a king or queen. Learn how to use it in sentences, idioms and collocations with Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. REALM meaning : 1. an area of interest or activity: 2. a country ruled by a king or queen: 3. an area of interest…. Learn more.