asleep

1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈslēp 

1

: being in a state of sleep

2

: dead

3

: lacking sensation : numb

4

a

: inactive, dormant

b

: not alert : indifferent

asleep

2 of 2

adverb

1

: into a state of sleep

2

: into the sleep of death

3

: into a state of inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference

Synonyms

Adjective

• dormant
• dozing
• napping
• resting
• sleeping
• slumbering

Examples of asleep in a Sentence

Adjective

“Are you asleep?” “No, I'm awake.”

He tries to clean up the house while the kids are asleep.

The cats are asleep on the floor.

She was still asleep at noon.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Earlier in the trial, prosecutors said Singh gunned down his father-in-law who was asleep in bed and executed his wife while standing overtop of her. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 4 May 2024

Those who were asleep below deck, were still alive and in need of assistance to escape, prosecutors said. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English aslepe, from Old English on slæpe

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing asleep

• fall asleep
• half asleep

Kids Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective

ə-ˈslēp 

1

: being in a state of sleep

2

: lacking sensation : numb

my foot was asleep

asleep

2 of 2 adverb

: into a state of sleep

Medical Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective

ə-ˈslēp 

1

: being in a state of sleep

2

: lacking sensation : numb

asleep

2 of 2 adverb

: into a state of sleep