somnolent

som·no·lent

adj \-lənt\

Definition of SOMNOLENT

1

: of a kind likely to induce sleep <a somnolent sermon>

2

a : inclined to or heavy with sleep : drowsy b : sleepy 2 <somnolent rivers>

— som·no·lent·ly adverb

Examples of SOMNOLENT

1. <trying to teach somnolent students on a very hot day>
2. <the somnolent hum of insects in the grass>

Origin of SOMNOLENT

Middle English sompnolent, from Anglo-French, from Latin somnolentus, from somnus sleep; akin to Old English swefn sleep, Greek hypnos

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SOMNOLENT

Synonyms: dozy, drowsy, slumberous (or slumbrous), sleepy

Antonyms: alert, awake, conscious, wakeful, wide-awake

Related Words: asleep, dormant, dozing, resting, sleeping, slumbering; nodding, yawning

Near Antonyms: restive, restless, sleepless; insomniac

see all synonyms and antonyms

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