slumber

1 of 2

verb

slum·​ber ˈsləm-bər 

slumbered; slumbering ˈsləm-b(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

1

a

: to sleep lightly : doze

b

: sleep

2

a

: to be in a torpid, slothful, or negligent state

b

: to lie dormant or latent

slumberer

ˈsləm-bər-ər 

noun

slumber

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: sleep

b

: a light sleep

2

: lethargy, torpor

Synonyms

Verb

• catnap
• doze
• nap
• rest
• sleep
• snooze

Noun

• bed
• catnapping
• dozing
• napping
• repose
• rest
• resting
• shut-eye
• sleep
• slumbering
• snoozing
• z's
• zs

Examples of slumber in a Sentence

Verb

she slumbered for hours while the train rolled on

slumbering restlessly in the tropical heat

Noun

She fell into deep slumber.

a toddler looking so innocent and peaceful in slumber

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The corner where this street meets Plimpton Avenue slumbered at about 7 a.m. —Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024

Ancient humans may have evolved to slumber efficiently — and in a crowd. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

Noun

To keep light from disturbing your slumber, the study authors recommend the following: Install blackout curtains. —Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Sep. 2024

The Free World had better rouse itself from its slumber. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English slomren, slombren, frequentative of slumen to doze, probably from slume slumber, from Old English slūma; akin to Middle High German slumen to slumber

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing slumber

• slumber party

Kids Definition

slumber

1 of 2 verb

slum·​ber ˈsləm-bər 

slumbered; slumbering -b(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to sleep usually lightly

2

: to exist without being active

a slumbering volcano

slumberer

-bər-ər 

noun

slumber

2 of 2 noun

: sleep entry 1