sleeper

sleep·er

noun \ˈslē-pər\

Definition of SLEEPER

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

: sleeping car

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

7

: ²mole 4

Examples of SLEEPER

1. Sleepers were awakened by the sound of a loud crash.
2. He may turn out to be the sleeper in this year's election.
3. The movie was the summer's sleeper.
4. The movie became the sleeper hit of the summer.

First Known Use of SLEEPER

12th century

Related to SLEEPER

Synonyms

dozer, slumberer

Related Words

nodder

Near Antonyms

insomniac; riser, waker

Rhymes with SLEEPER

beeper, creeper, Dnieper, keeper, leaper, peeper, reaper, sweeper, weeper