slumber

[sluhm-ber]

verb (used without object)

1. to sleep, especially lightly; doze; drowse.

2. to be in a state of inactivity, negligence, quiescence, or calm.

   Vesuvius is slumbering.

verb (used with object)

1. to spend or pass (time) in slumbering (often followed by away, out, orthrough ).

   to slumber the afternoon away.

2. to dispel or forget by slumbering (often followed byaway ).

   to slumber cares away.

noun

1. Sometimes slumbers. sleep, especially light sleep.

2. a period of sleep, especially light sleep.

3. a state of inactivity, quiescence, etc.

slumber

/ ˈslʌmbə /

verb

1. (intr) to sleep, esp peacefully

2. (intr) to be quiescent or dormant

3. to spend (time) sleeping

noun

1. (sometimes plural) sleep

2. a dormant or quiescent state

Other Word Forms

• slumberer noun
• slumberless adjective
• unslumbering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slumber¹

1175–1225; (v.) Middle English slumeren, frequentative of slumen to doze, derivative of Old English slūma sleep ( -er ⁶ ); compare German schlummern; (noun) Middle English slomur, slomber, derivative of the v.

Word History and Origins

Origin of slumber¹

Old English slūma sleep (n); related to Middle High German slummeren, Dutch sluimeren

Example Sentences

England's approach to being clear favourites for their home World Cup was summed up by the slumber party they held on the Wednesday before their semi-final.

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As Congress wakes up from its self-imposed slumber to face the prospect of yet another government shutdown showdown, what Vought said has particular salience.

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Perhaps to people of a certain age who grew up watching it on VHS at slumber parties, it is their madeleine.

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In Ridley Scott’s 1979 film “Alien,” the crew of the Nostromo rouses from slumber to answer a distress call that spells their doom.

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Rising from her slumber, the cat leaped down to the checkout counter, where she posed as if for a royal portrait.

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Related Words

• coma 
• dormancy 
• stupor