sleepy

adjective

ˈslē-pē 

sleepier; sleepiest

1

a

: ready to fall asleep

b

: of, relating to, or characteristic of sleep

2

: sluggish as if from sleep : lethargic

also : having little activity

a sleepy coastal village

3

: sleep-inducing

sleepily

ˈslē-pə-lē 

adverb

sleepiness

ˈslē-pē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of sleepy

• sleeping
• resting
• drowsy

Examples of sleepy in a Sentence

She felt sleepy and went to bed.

the sleepy children were carried up to bed

Recent Examples on the Web

Jim Cramer was hoping for one of those sleepy November days where not much happens for the Investing Club's 4th annual meeting. — Alexa Lomonaco,jeff Nash, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

Reminiscent of diners and roller skates, this machine is sure to bring a smile to even the sleepiest of mornings. — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026

The often-sleepy general election campaign was a sharp contrast to the bruising, expensive Democratic primary that preceded it in March. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

After one of the sleepiest sheriff’s races in recent memory, Luna had again cruised to victory over his predecessor, Alex Villanueva. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sleepy

• creepy
• principe

Kids Definition

sleepy

adjective

ˈslē-pē 

sleepier; sleepiest

1

: ready to fall asleep

2

: quietly inactive

a sleepy village

sleepily

-pə-lē 

adverb

sleepiness

-pē-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

sleepy

adjective

ˈslē-pē 

sleepier; sleepiest

: ready to fall asleep

sleepiness

-pē-nəs 

noun