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

Examples of sleepwalk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the wake of John Wick’s success, Keanu has had the opportunity to sleepwalk through some lesser sci-fi actioners, and this one is particularly sleepy. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025 On talent, experience and athleticism alone, that group could have sleepwalked its way to victory over a media side that … well, lacked all three of those things. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025 The rest of the cast is similarly sleepwalking through a fanciful pantomime of Southern culture rather than a serious drama. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 The Rebels, who sleepwalked through a victory against Washington State on Saturday, go to Georgia (5-1, 3-1 SEC) next week and to Oklahoma (5-1, 1-1) the week after. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleepwalk

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleepwalk was in 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleepwalk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleepwalk. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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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