sleep
verb (used without object)
to take the rest afforded by a suspension of voluntary bodily functions and the natural suspension, complete or partial, of consciousness; cease being awake.
has been sleeping
-
present perfect progressiveof sleep (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Christina has been sleeping heads down in the middle of the vehicle, kind of like a bat suspended from our docking tunnel," Wiseman explained, describing their preferred spots for shut-eye.
From Barron's ● Apr. 4, 2026
Since the clearing, Beatty has been sleeping outside without shelter.
From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2025
“I worry,” said Donna Martin, 77, of Glendale, who has been sleeping in a waterbed for 50 years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2024
A homeless pensioner has spoken about how tough it has been sleeping on a friend's sofa since she retired.
From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2024
Wisdom has been sleeping and the Gods have lost their power.
From Operas Every Child Should Know Descriptions of the Text and Music of Some of the Most Famous Masterpieces by Mary Schell Hoke Bacon
