sleeper cell
noun
an organized group of undercover individuals, especially those involved in espionage or terrorist activities.
sleeper cells
-
pluralof sleeper cell.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Reports compiled by BBC Monitoring say the army continues to carry out security sweeps across greater Khartoum, targeting alleged RSF sleeper cells, undocumented foreigners and criminals involved in illegal activities.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026
“People think about sleeper cells here. Do they have a right to be concerned?”
From Slate ● Jun. 23, 2025
The U.S. has some 900 troops in eastern Syria backing SDF forces in targeting militant Islamic State group sleeper cells.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 18, 2023
The U.S.-led coalition has backed the SDF with air strikes, military equipment and advisers since 2017, first helping it wrest back territory from IS and then supporting clearing operations against jihadist sleeper cells.
From Reuters ● Dec. 5, 2022
The operation came after IS sleeper cells committed crimes inside the camp.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 15, 2022
