1
: one that sleeps
2
: a piece of timber, stone, or steel on or near the ground to support a superstructure, keep railroad rails in place, or receive floor joists : stringpiece
3
4
: someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains prominence or value
the low-budget film became the summer's sleeper
5
: children's pajamas usually with feet
—usually used in plural
6
chiefly British
: a small earring or stud worn to keep the hole of a pierced ear from closing
Examples of sleeper in a Sentence
Sleepers were awakened by the sound of a loud crash.
He may turn out to be the sleeper in this year's election.
The movie was the summer's sleeper.
The movie became the sleeper hit of the summer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Cold sleepers and hot sleepers alike recommend this comforter.
—
Genevieve Cepeda, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Through minor lifestyle changes, poor sleepers can follow these five simple steps throughout the day to possibly improve their rest.
—Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Her mattress review notes that any kind of sleeper—side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers alike—would like this supportive style.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
The solid wood legs offer ample support, while the foam cushions provide comfort for sleepers.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Genevieve Cepeda, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Through minor lifestyle changes, poor sleepers can follow these five simple steps throughout the day to possibly improve their rest.
—Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Her mattress review notes that any kind of sleeper—side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers alike—would like this supportive style.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
The solid wood legs offer ample support, while the foam cushions provide comfort for sleepers.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
Cite this Entry
“Sleeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeper. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sleeper
noun
sleep·er
ˈslē-pər 
1
: one that sleeps
2
: a horizontal beam to support something on or near ground level
3
4
: someone or something considered unlikely to succeed that suddenly becomes successful
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