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

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

Ibáñez was coming off a lackluster series against the White Sox, slumbering at the plate for much of the past two weeks, and the Tigers needed to infuse their offense, particularly with right-handed help. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 7 June 2025

Will the Royals’ slumbering bats continue to be an issue? —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 May 2025

Noun

The Yankees awakened from their offensive slumber in Thursday afternoon’s 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels in the Bronx to snap a season-worst six-game losing streak. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025

Festa wasn’t woken from his slumber until some time in the 8 o’clock hour when director of player development Drew MacPhail banged on his apartment door. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 5 June 2025

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