First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1sleep
noun \ˈslēp\
: the natural state of rest during which your eyes are closed and you become unconscious
: a period of sleep especially of a particular kind
: the dry substance that sometimes forms in the corners of your eyes while you are sleeping
Full Definition of SLEEP
1
: the natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored — compare REM sleep, slow-wave sleep
2
: a state resembling sleep: as a : a state of torpid inactivity b : death <put a pet cat to sleep>; also : trance, coma c : the closing of leaves or petals especially at night d : a state marked by a diminution of feeling followed by tingling <my foot's gone to sleep> e : the state of an animal during hibernation
4
: crusty matter present in the corner of an eye upon awakening
— sleep·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See sleep defined for English-language learners
See sleep defined for kids
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Origin of SLEEP
Middle English slepe, from Old English slǣp; akin to Old High German slāf sleep and perhaps to Latin labi to slip, slide
Related to SLEEP
- Synonyms
- bed, catnapping, dozing, napping, repose, rest, resting, shut-eye, slumber, slumbering, snoozing, z's (or zs)
- Antonyms
- consciousness, wake, wakefulness
Other Physiology Terms
2sleep
verb
: to rest your mind and body by closing your eyes and becoming unconscious
: to have enough space for (a specified number of people) to sleep in it
slept \ˈslept\ sleep·ing
Full Definition of SLEEP
intransitive verb
1
: to rest in a state of sleep
2
: to be in a state (as of quiescence or death) resembling sleep
3
: to have sexual relations —usually used with with
transitive verb
1
: to be slumbering in <slept the sleep of the dead>
2
: to get rid of or spend in or by sleep <sleep away the hours> <sleep off a headache>
3
: to provide sleeping accommodations for <the boat sleeps six>
See sleep defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SLEEP
before 12th century
SLEEPING Defined for Kids
1sleep
verb \ˈslēp\
slept \ˈslept\sleep·ing
Definition of SLEEP for Kids
: to rest with eyes closed in a temporary state of inactivity : be or lie in a state of sleep <The baby is sleeping.>
2sleep
noun
Definition of SLEEP for Kids
1
: a natural temporary state of rest during which an individual becomes physically inactive and unaware of the surrounding environment and many bodily functions (as breathing) slow
2
: an inactive state (as hibernation) like true sleep
Learn More About SLEEP
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