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
Designed to be breathable, gentle on the skin, and moisture wicking, the quilt offers even the warmest of sleepers relief all night long.
—
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2025
Auburn are other potential sleepers.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
The flatter, lighter option is great for back sleepers or those who tuck their arms underneath their pillow.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2025
In July 2025, the luxury hospitality company launched the Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, with three-night itineraries in and out of London.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2025
Auburn are other potential sleepers.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
The flatter, lighter option is great for back sleepers or those who tuck their arms underneath their pillow.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2025
In July 2025, the luxury hospitality company launched the Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, with three-night itineraries in and out of London.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 2025.
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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