noun
sleeper
Someone or something in a sleeping or inactive state.
The sleeper lies on his side with his cheek on a pillow.
Etymology
The agent ending names one who sleeps. The word extends from literal sleep to something inactive, unnoticed, or awaiting activation.
In context
Beds got ticks stuffed with prairie hay that whispered every time a sleeper turned over.
More examples
- Our dog is a light sleeper and wakes at every sound.
- The spy remains a sleeper until her handlers contact her.
- The little-known movie becomes the summer's sleeper hit.
- We whisper in the hallway to avoid waking the sleepers.
Forms
sleeper · sleepers
sleep verb — To rest in a naturally unconscious state.
Similar words
- napper
- Specifically someone taking a short sleep, usually during the day.
- sleepyhead
- An informal, affectionate name for someone sleepy or fond of sleeping.