sleepy

1 of 2

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

sleepiness

2 of 2

noun

sleep·​i·​ness ˈslēpēnə̇s 

-pin-

plural -es

1

: the quality or state of being sleepy

2

: an abnormal condition in flowers (such as carnations or snapdragons) marked by a partial closing of the petals

Synonyms of sleepy

Adjective

• sleeping
• resting
• drowsy

Examples of sleepy in a Sentence

Adjective

She felt sleepy and went to bed.

the sleepy children were carried up to bed

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

On paper, New York State Comptroller is a sleepy job. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 June 2026

This normally sleepy by-election was closely watched around the world after MP Josh Simons resigned with the deliberate intent of allowing Burnham to win his seat and challenge for the leadership of the country. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 19 June 2026

At first, the change is imperceptible but Nick notices that his sleepy village seems more vibrant, more populated with people. — Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

At some point, sleepy teenagers make their way into the kitchen, lured by the aroma of whatever their mom has decided to bake before dawn. — Julie Jordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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