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
As for the sheet set, it is made of a 300-thread-count cotton sateen for a crisp, airy bedscape hot sleepers will appreciate.
—
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
It’s made from 100% cotton and is ideal for all kinds of sleeping climates, although quilts are particularly great for hot sleepers year-round.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025
Rising distributor 1-2 Special’s flagship release started its journey at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where Dillane won best actor out of Un Certain Regard for his portrayal of a London rough sleeper circling the drain of his own self-destruction.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
For the nursery Create a soothing and safe environment for your little one with essential gear like comfortable gliders, portable playpens and bedside sleepers.
—Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
It’s made from 100% cotton and is ideal for all kinds of sleeping climates, although quilts are particularly great for hot sleepers year-round.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025
Rising distributor 1-2 Special’s flagship release started its journey at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where Dillane won best actor out of Un Certain Regard for his portrayal of a London rough sleeper circling the drain of his own self-destruction.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
For the nursery Create a soothing and safe environment for your little one with essential gear like comfortable gliders, portable playpens and bedside sleepers.
—Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 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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