SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

to sleep

idiom

Definition of to sleep

: until one/someone falls asleep

The baby cried himself to sleep. I rocked the baby to sleep.

Word by Word Definitions

sleep play

: the natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored — compare REM sleep, slow-wave sleep
: a state resembling sleep: such as
: a state of torpid inactivity

: to rest in a state of sleep
: to be in a state (as of quiescence or death) resembling sleep
: to have sexual relations

See the full definition of sleep

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up to sleep? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

play

unwilling or reluctant

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

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'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

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Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

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Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

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Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

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More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

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Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

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Add Diction

Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.

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