sleepwalk

verb

sleep·​walk ˈslēp-ˌwȯk How to pronounce sleepwalk (audio)
sleepwalked; sleepwalking; sleepwalks

intransitive verb

1
: to walk while or as if while asleep
2
: to proceed in a passive often lethargic manner
sleepwalked through the workday
sleepwalk noun
sleepwalker noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Two years ago, not much was expected from a team who sleepwalked through the pandemic 2020 season, won 84 times in 2019 as defending World Series champions and then dealt with the fallout of trading Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 7 May 2023 The Celtics had to win Game 2 after sleepwalking through Game 1 at home Monday against a Sixers team that presumably was weakened by the absence of center Joel Embiid, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player this season. Chad Finn, BostonGlobe.com, 4 May 2023 Make an effort not to sleepwalk through your day, since being mentally distant increases the likelihood of mistakes and missed opportunities. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2023 To circumvent the minefield is to neglect the person who somehow sleepwalked their way to its center. Joseph Lezza, Longreads, 30 Mar. 2023 Ashley, for her part, has mother issues and is prone to sleepwalking, leading to one disastrous nocturnal incident involving Gordon’s bedside cabinet. Mike Mccahill, Variety, 5 May 2023 The Bruins sleepwalked through the opening 20 minutes of that game, eating up valuable time in a potential clinching contest. Conor Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 1 May 2023 Doc talk Parasomnias Sleep disorders, such as night terrors or sleepwalking, that periodically interfere with slumber Mania of the week (Getty Images) Coimetromania An obsession with cemeteries. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2023 As politicians sleepwalk toward a potential debt ceiling crisis, financial markets have begun pricing in a small — but growing — chance of a disastrous default. Matt Egan, CNN, 31 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sleepwalk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleepwalk was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near sleepwalk

Cite this Entry

“Sleepwalk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleepwalk. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

sleepwalk

verb
sleep·​walk ˈslēp-ˌwȯk How to pronounce sleepwalk (audio)
: to walk while or as if while asleep
sleepwalker noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sleepwalk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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