sleeping
Americannoun
adjective
-
of, relating to, or having accommodations for sleeping.
a sleeping compartment.
-
used to sleep in or on.
a sleeping jacket.
-
used to induce or aid sleep or while asleep.
sleeping mask.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sleeping
Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at sleep, -ing 1, -ing 2
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.
Putin said the attack took place as the students were sleeping.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
As the city’s cleaning and removal programs have reduced prominent encampments on Hollywood’s streets, the number of people sleeping rough is on the rise.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
Since going home, Thomas said he has been "sleeping a lot" and feels "very, very blessed" and deeply grateful.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
But investors are wary about dismissing inflation as “transitory” or sleeping on the Fed.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
You’re so cushy-comfy and sleeping so deeply that you don’t hear that big old truck, hauling two tons of tomatoes, getting closer and closer.
From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
