asleep

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of asleepnext
1
: being in a state of sleep
2
: dead
3
: lacking sensation : numb
4
b
: not alert : indifferent

asleep

2 of 2

adverb

1
: into a state of sleep
2
: into the sleep of death
3
: into a state of inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference

Examples of asleep in a Sentence

Adjective “Are you asleep?” “No, I'm awake.” He tries to clean up the house while the kids are asleep. The cats are asleep on the floor. She was still asleep at noon.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Even though Shultz checked himself into a hospital where he was arrested, and confessed, prosecutors convinced a jury that by waiting till everyone was asleep and leaving the home afterward, Shultz demonstrated knowledge of wrongdoing. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 Morton Grove Park District Superintendent of Recreation Sue Braubach told Pioneer Press the daytime celebration is intended to allow families with young children ring in the new year together, especially since the youngsters would likely be asleep at the stroke of midnight. Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Adverb
But one California rider posted a video on Reddit in November showing a Tesla rideshare monitor asleep at the wheel. Lora Kolodny,jennifer Elias,annie Palmer, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2025 The adorable pup lies flat on their stomach, fast asleep, as their owner gently drags them through the airport queue—clearly not quite ready for a full day on duty. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for asleep

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English aslepe, from Old English on slæpe

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of asleep was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asleep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asleep. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective
1
: being in a state of sleep
2
: lacking sensation : numb
my foot was asleep

asleep

2 of 2 adverb
: into a state of sleep

Medical Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective
1
: being in a state of sleep
2
: lacking sensation : numb

asleep

2 of 2 adverb
: into a state of sleep

More from Merriam-Webster on asleep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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