sleeper

noun

sleep·​er ˈslē-pər How to pronounce sleeper (audio)
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
7

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
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.
Belmond Britannic Explorer The Britannic Explorer is the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales. Eleanor Flagler Hardy, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 An adjustable bed frame allows sleepers to incline and recline the angle of their mattress. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025 There are a select few who carry the sleepers on their backs. Stan Son, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 Bedsure Cooling Comforter Hot sleepers, rejoice—this cooling quilt is made for you. Sheri Kaz, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleeper

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeper. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sleeper

noun
sleep·​er ˈslē-pər How to pronounce sleeper (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on sleeper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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