somnambulism

noun

som·​nam·​bu·​lism säm-ˈnam-byə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce somnambulism (audio)
1
: an abnormal condition of sleep in which motor acts (such as walking) are performed
2
: actions characteristic of somnambulism
somnambulist noun
somnambulistic adjective
somnambulistically adverb

Examples of somnambulism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Birbiglia’s endearingly confessional stand-up often centers on his various health issues, which with his somnambulism take up almost the entirety of his latest standup special, The Old Man and the Pool. Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024 Eating excessively, going to the bathroom in inappropriate places, and even driving are all types of somnambulism. Steve Nadis, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2023 Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, one of the most common and widely known types of parasomnias, occurs during the non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) phase of sleep. Steve Nadis, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2023 According to the National Sleep Foundation, as many as 15 percent of adults experience sleepwalking, or somnambulism, a disorder that involves walking or other activities such as dressing, driving or cooking while asleep. Leigh Ann Henion, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2020 The Trib was known as a writer’s paper, and while there Wolfe made forays beyond totemic somnambulism. Ben Yagoda, WSJ, 18 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'somnambulism.' 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

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of somnambulism was in 1797

Dictionary Entries Near somnambulism

Cite this Entry

“Somnambulism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/somnambulism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

somnambulism

noun
som·​nam·​bu·​lism säm-ˈnam-byə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce somnambulism (audio)
1
: an abnormal condition of sleep in which motor acts (as walking) are performed
2
: actions characteristic of somnambulism
somnambulistic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on somnambulism

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