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
It is made with a blend between sustainable and breathable materials like organic natural latex, organic cotton, and organic wool to help sleepers keep cool without harming the planet.
—
Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
Utopia Bedding Queen Bed Pillows These popular pillows are stuffed with plush filling to comfortably support side, stomach, and back sleepers.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025
The World War II action-thriller became something of a sleeper hit, prompting a sequel in short order.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 19 Nov. 2025
Typically Lanthimos’ movies are box office sleepers, Bugonia currently north of $23.5 million worldwide.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
Utopia Bedding Queen Bed Pillows These popular pillows are stuffed with plush filling to comfortably support side, stomach, and back sleepers.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025
The World War II action-thriller became something of a sleeper hit, prompting a sequel in short order.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 19 Nov. 2025
Typically Lanthimos’ movies are box office sleepers, Bugonia currently north of $23.5 million worldwide.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 12 Nov. 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 8 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
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