sleep

¹sleep

noun \ˈslēp\

Definition of SLEEP

1

: the natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored — compare REM sleep, slow-wave sleep

2

: a state resembling sleep: as a : a state of torpid inactivity b : death <put a pet cat to sleep>; also : trance, coma c : the closing of leaves or petals especially at night d : a state marked by a diminution of feeling followed by tingling <my foot's gone to sleep> e : the state of an animal during hibernation

3

a : a period spent sleeping b : night c : a day's journey

4

: crusty matter present in the corner of an eye upon awakening

— sleep·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of SLEEP

1. I just need to get some sleep.
2. How much sleep did you get last night?
3. Her roommate talks in her sleep.
4. The noise woke her from a deep sleep.
5. He woke up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

Origin of SLEEP

Middle English slepe, from Old English slǣp; akin to Old High German slāf sleep and perhaps to Latin labi to slip, slide

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SLEEP

Synonyms: bed, catnapping, dozing, napping, repose, rest, resting, shut-eye, slumber, slumbering, snoozing, z's (or zs)

Antonyms: consciousness, wake, wakefulness

Related Words: catnap, doze, drowse, forty winks, nap, siesta, snooze, wink; oversleeping; dreaming, rapid eye movement

Near Antonyms: insomnia, sleeplessness

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Other Physiology Terms

eructation, flux, gustatory, menarche, myopia, senescence, torpor

Rhymes with SLEEP

beep, bleep, cheap, cheep, creep, deep, heap, jeep, Jeep, keep, leap, neap, neep, peep, reap, seep, sheep, steep, sweep, threap, veep, weep