26984 words

sleep

15 definitions • 25 examples
1
the resting state in which the body is not active and the mind is unconscious:

Examples:

I haven't had enough sleep.
Teenagers need more sleep than adults.
get some sleep I must get some sleep - I'm exhausted.
Go home and get some sleep.
I like at least seven hours' sleep a night.
2
to start sleeping:

Examples:

You'll find that your baby usually goes to sleep after a feed.
3
to succeed in starting to sleep:

Examples:

I couldn't get to sleep at all last night, I was so worried.
4

Examples:

have a sleep UK You must be tired after all that driving - why don't you have a little sleep?
fall into a deep sleep He fell into a deep sleep.
good night's sleep You'll feel better after a good night's sleep.
5
a night's sleep, used especially when saying how far away in time something is:

Examples:

It's only one more sleep till we go to Disneyland!
How many sleeps until I see you again, Daddy?
6
a yellowish substance sometimes found in the corners of the eyes after sleeping
7
to be in the state of rest when your eyes are closed, your body is not active, and your mind is unconscious:

Examples:

I couldn't sleep because of all the noise next door.
sleep late I slept late on Sunday morning.
sleep at night How can Jayne sleep at night with all those worries on her mind!
sleep the night We had dinner with Ann and Charles and slept the night there (= at their home).
8
If a vehicle, tent, etc. sleeps a particular number of people, it provides enough space or beds for that number of people to be able to sleep in it:

Examples:

The tent sleeps four comfortably.
9
to sleep very well:

Examples:

I went to bed early and slept like a log.
10
to delay making a decision about something important until the next day so that you have time to consider it carefully:

Examples:

Can I sleep on it, and tell you my decision tomorrow?
11
to pay no attention to something important or impressive:

Examples:

It would be mad to sleep on such an opportunity.
12
to sleep outside because you have no home and no money:

Examples:

Hundreds of kids are sleeping rough on the streets of the capital.
13
said to someone who is going to bed to tell them you hope they sleep well:

Examples:

Sleep tight - see you in the morning.
14
the resting state in which the body is not active and the mind is unconscious:

Examples:

I usually sit up in bed and watch the TV news before going to sleep.
15
to be in a resting state in which the body is not active and the mind is unconscious:

Examples:

[ I ] I was too excited to sleep much that night.
[ T ] The boat sleeps four (= has space for four people to sleep) comfortably.

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