slumbering 1 of 3

Definition of slumberingnext

slumbering

2 of 3

noun

as in slumber
a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself my peaceful slumbering was interrupted by a ring of the doorbell

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

slumbering

3 of 3

verb

present participle of slumber

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of slumbering
Adjective
The supermassive black hole sitting at the heart of our galaxy is considered to be a slumbering giant. Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2026 Trump revived a slumbering American electorate and drove record turnout, winning and losing; Mamdani won more votes than any modern mayor. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025 Along the way, the protagonist must also find a way to lift the curse on his eternally slumbering friend, who happens to be the prince. PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2025 Doctor Doom seeks to steal the Chronal Chi of the slumbering dragon Shou-Lao, threatening to unravel the fate of the Heavens themselves. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Others showed baby Spero clasping his tiny hand around Graham's finger and slumbering with a smile on his face. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026 One of the men set fire to the slumbering victim’s clothes, causing a small blaze, police said. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026 The world's largest acidic geyser has begun erupting again in Yellowstone after slumbering for over five years, the national park said Monday. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026 The actress had a hard time slumbering after her week one mistakes, and now she’s expected to do a cartwheel into splits after tearing her hamstring? Lynette Rice, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025 The late-slumbering parent, meanwhile, can do remote work on their laptop at the table at night while the rest of the family sleeps comfortably. New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025 Mountains look like slumbering dinosaurs. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025 Similar contamination was also the most likely explanation for the spectacular claim that spores had sprung back to life after slumbering inside a crystal for 250 million years, according to a study published in the journal Nature. F.d. Flam, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slumbering
Adjective
  • An autopsy showed that the infant died from asphyxiation secondary to a co-sleeping/overlay event with an unsafe sleeping environment.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The 7-foot forward emerged from a season-long slumber at the most opportune time, finishing with 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks in a season-high 28 minutes off the bench after losing his starting spot to freshman Tae Simmons (eight points, eight rebounds).
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Ever since that fateful 1950s day in New Jersey when Steve Spielberg's father roused him from slumber to take a late-night rural drive out to watch a spectacular shooting star show, the legendary filmmaker has been fascinated with outer space and the mysteries of the cosmos.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology confirmed that octopuses are genuinely asleep during this active phase rather than simply resting, and that the state closely resembles REM sleep in vertebrates, including humans, per The Guardian.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Okinawa researchers confirmed the animals are genuinely asleep during this phase, not simply resting and that the state closely resembles vertebrate REM sleep, per The Guardian.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • One of the babies was left napping in the nursery.
    Denise Schrier Cetta, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • For older children, napping may reflect individual sleep needs, efforts to make up for shorter nighttime sleep or structured rest periods in after-school programs.
    Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Blue light suppresses melatonin and makes falling back asleep significantly harder.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The post included pictures of Norris carrying her as a baby, the two of them sitting next to each other on the beach, one of her asleep on his lap as an adult and another of her asleep on his lap as a baby.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.
    Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
  • As the unconscious Moon enters your 6th House of Wellness, you’re prepped to notice unhelpful patterns, like skipping meals or losing sleep.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the harsh afternoon sun, it was deserted except for dogs dozing on the rocks, and lovers seeking a shred of privacy.
    Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • She gets literally tucked in, waking up cozy to the sound of rain on the slanted roof and dozing only to wake again to the bright morning sun.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • After a recent arrest in the long-dormant case, some agents say the barrage of threats persist — and not enough is done to protect them.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Following 26 dormant innings to start the season, the Giants had an opportunity to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth against All-Star closer David Bednar.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slumbering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slumbering. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on slumbering

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster