Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus
1

drowse

verb \ ˈdrau̇z \

Definition of drowse

drowsed; drowsing
intransitive verb
1 : to be inactive
2 : to fall into a light slumber
transitive verb
1 : to make drowsy or inactive
2 : to pass (time) drowsily or in drowsing

See drowse defined for English-language learners

See drowse defined for kids

Examples of drowse in a Sentence

  1. picnickers drowsing in the shade of an oak tree

Origin and Etymology of drowse

probably akin to Goth driusan to fall — more at dreary

drowse Synonyms

Synonyms

catnap, doze, nap, slumber, snooze;

Near Antonyms

arise, arouse, awake, awaken, get up, rise, rouse, uprise, wake (up), waken;

Related Words

relax, repose, rest;

couch, lay, lie, roost;

lull;

2

drowse

noun

Definition of drowse

: the act or an instance of drowsing : doze

Examples of drowse in a Sentence

  1. was just falling into a drowse when you called

First Known Use of drowse

1796

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

drowse Synonyms

Synonyms

catnap, doze, forty winks, nap, siesta, snooze, wink;

Related Words

repose, rest;

slumber;

bed;

DROWSE Defined for English Language Learners

drowse

verb

Definition of drowse for English Language Learners

  • : to sleep lightly or to almost be asleep

DROWSE Defined for Kids

1

drowse

verb \ ˈdrau̇z \

Definition of drowse for Students

drowsed; drowsing
: to sleep lightly
2

drowse

noun

Definition of drowse for Students

: a light sleep : doze

Learn More about drowse

  1. See words that rhyme with drowse Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for drowse Spanish Central: Translation of drowse Nglish: Translation of drowse for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up drowse? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

thwart

play

to oppose successfully

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

drowse

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games