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
Best Amazon Outlet Bedding Deals Deals also abound in the Outlet on an array of bedding, including this Ugg comforter set and cooling rayon bed sheets for hot sleepers.
—
Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025
Some side sleepers prefer thicker and harder pillows to achieve this support level, while others prefer slightly softer pillows that hold their shape to prevent collapsing.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
While shopping, hot sleepers should pick up this set of Wayfair pillows with a cooling gel fiber interior to help prevent them from overheating during the night.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025
But, in my opinion, this mattress is not for the sleeper who prefers super soft, plush mattresses.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025
Some side sleepers prefer thicker and harder pillows to achieve this support level, while others prefer slightly softer pillows that hold their shape to prevent collapsing.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
While shopping, hot sleepers should pick up this set of Wayfair pillows with a cooling gel fiber interior to help prevent them from overheating during the night.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025
But, in my opinion, this mattress is not for the sleeper who prefers super soft, plush mattresses.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
Cite this Entry
“Sleeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeper. Accessed 8 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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