sleeping

[slee-ping]

noun

1. the condition of being asleep.

adjective

1. asleep.

2. of, relating to, or having accommodations for sleeping.

   a sleeping compartment.

3. used to sleep in or on.

   a sleeping jacket.

4. used to induce or aid sleep or while asleep.

   sleeping mask.

Other Word Forms

• unsleeping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleeping¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; sleep, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

He climbed into his sleeping bag without dinner, because he knew it was more important to warm up before the cold of night descended than it was to eat.

From Los Angeles Times

“No community should turn its back on its residents in need — especially while there are people in your community sleeping on the streets.”

From Los Angeles Times

The suites themselves are spacious, with separate living and sleeping areas, a large bathroom with a soaking or whirlpool tub, and comfortable beds.

From Salon

Many residents are now sleeping out in the open and need tents, Matiullah adds.

From BBC

I doubt they’ll be sleeping on floors or tripled up at a Motel 6, unless things are worse than I know at Amazon.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comatose 
• unconscious