drowsy

[ drou-zee ]

adjective

, drow·si·er, drow·si·est.

1. half-asleep; sleepy.

   Synonyms: dozy, somnolent

2. marked by or resulting from sleepiness.
3. dull; sluggish.

   Synonyms: listless, lethargic

4. inducing lethargy or sleepiness:

   drowsy spring weather.

drowsy

/ ˈdraʊzɪ /

adjective

1. heavy with sleepiness; sleepy
2. inducing sleep; soporific
3. sluggish or lethargic; dull

Derived Forms

• ˈdrowsily, adverb
• ˈdrowsiness, noun

Other Words From

• drowsi·ly adverb
• drowsi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of drowsy¹

First recorded in 1520–30; drowse + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Others say they are given an injection that causes a drowsy, hallucinatory state in which they believe they’re giving birth.

From BBC

What initially seems like seduction begins to feel like sedation, and the movie nearly loses itself in its drowsy rhythm.

From Salon

The terrific Beecham is saddled with a dismal hairdo and an even more dismal role, her character simply an object of wan yearning for the drowsy John.

From Los Angeles Times

Results of the National Sleep Foundation study show that approximately one in six adolescent drivers reported having driven drowsy.

From Science Daily

Throughout the day, your body produces a chemical called adenosine, which binds to receptors in your brain and makes you feel drowsy.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dazed
• lethargic