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
The WinkBed mattress technology provides strong edge support and wicks away heat, ensuring sleepers have a calm, peaceful night.
—
Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2025
For lovers of the classic ski-train vibe—where nobody boards to sleep—this new sleeper service begins in December and runs until March 2026.
—Monisha Rajesh, Outside, 9 Dec. 2025
For extra comfort, the quilt is designed to be cool to the touch for hot sleepers, resist static to prevent that annoying clingy sensation, and reduce noise when rustling around.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
It’s made of natural cotton for an insulating but breathable feel that can please hot and cold sleepers alike.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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.
Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2025
For lovers of the classic ski-train vibe—where nobody boards to sleep—this new sleeper service begins in December and runs until March 2026.
—Monisha Rajesh, Outside, 9 Dec. 2025
For extra comfort, the quilt is designed to be cool to the touch for hot sleepers, resist static to prevent that annoying clingy sensation, and reduce noise when rustling around.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
It’s made of natural cotton for an insulating but breathable feel that can please hot and cold sleepers alike.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 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 13 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share