slumber

1 of 2

verb

slum·​ber ˈsləm-bər 

slumbered; slumbering ˈsləm-b(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

1

a

: to sleep lightly : doze

b

: sleep

2

a

: to be in a torpid, slothful, or negligent state

b

: to lie dormant or latent

slumberer

ˈsləm-bər-ər 

noun

slumber

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: sleep

b

: a light sleep

2

: lethargy, torpor

Synonyms of slumber

Verb

• sleep

Noun

• sleep
• slumbering
• bed
• napping
• resting
• rest

Examples of slumber in a Sentence

Verb

she slumbered for hours while the train rolled on

slumbering restlessly in the tropical heat

Noun

She fell into deep slumber.

a toddler looking so innocent and peaceful in slumber

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In other words, the long-slumbering giant in the US space industry may finally be waking up. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

Some, perhaps, slumbered through repetitive regional games and inconsequential friendlies. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 14 June 2026

Noun

Other Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice Beyond slumber, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in tart cherry juice can also benefit the body in other profound ways. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

Welcome back to The Times’ Lakers newsletter where the NBA is slipping into its summer slumber. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English slomren, slombren, frequentative of slumen to doze, probably from slume slumber, from Old English slūma; akin to Middle High German slumen to slumber

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing slumber

• slumber party

Rhymes for slumber

• cumber
• lumber
• number
• umber
• encumber
• outnumber
• renumber

Kids Definition

slumber

1 of 2 verb

slum·​ber ˈsləm-bər 

slumbered; slumbering -b(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to sleep usually lightly

2

: to exist without being active

a slumbering volcano

slumberer

-bər-ər 

noun

slumber

2 of 2 noun

: sleep entry 1