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
Rhodes went for an avalanche Cody Cutter, and Gunther caught him in a sleeper.
—
Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
As a side sleeper, McLaughlin is especially a fan of the pillow’s flexibility.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
Items requested include new or gently-used unwrapped sleepers (size newborn to 12 months).
—Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Wake but says the camper will feature a unique three-seat solo-sleeper layout with front and rear passenger seats that transform into a single bed and a small kitchen behind the driver's seat.
—C.c. Weiss
may 26, New Atlas, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
As a side sleeper, McLaughlin is especially a fan of the pillow’s flexibility.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
Items requested include new or gently-used unwrapped sleepers (size newborn to 12 months).
—Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Wake but says the camper will feature a unique three-seat solo-sleeper layout with front and rear passenger seats that transform into a single bed and a small kitchen behind the driver's seat.
—C.c. Weiss
may 26, New Atlas, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
Cite this Entry
“Sleeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeper. Accessed 2 Jun. 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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