drowsy

American  

[drou-zee] / ˈdraʊ zi /

adjective

drowsier, drowsiest

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.

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drowsy British  

/ ˈdraʊzɪ /

adjective

1. heavy with sleepiness; sleepy

2. inducing sleep; soporific

3. sluggish or lethargic; dull

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Other Word Forms

• drowsily adverb
• drowsiness noun

Etymology

Origin of drowsy

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

Example Sentences

As we emerge from the drowsy holidays with aspirations of being fitter and more productive, one social-media trend jumps out: How about waking up everyday at 5 a.m.?

From The Wall Street Journal

It made Penelope drowsy, and when the driver shouted and pulled the troika swiftly and hard to the rutted edge of the road, it startled her into a yelp.

From Literature

The birds were drowsy and contented, with their feathers fluffed around them like pillows.

From Literature

Penelope closed her eyes, for she felt suddenly drowsy.

From Literature

Ridge remained in bed, drowsy and running a high fever—102 degrees, in fact.

From Literature

Related Words

• dazed
• lethargic