1
: one that sleeps
2
: a piece of timber, stone, or steel on or near the ground to support a superstructure, keep railroad rails in place, or receive floor joists : stringpiece
3
4
: someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains prominence or value
the low-budget film became the summer's sleeper
5
: children's pajamas usually with feet
—usually used in plural
6
chiefly British
: a small earring or stud worn to keep the hole of a pierced ear from closing
Examples of sleeper in a Sentence
Sleepers were awakened by the sound of a loud crash.
He may turn out to be the sleeper in this year's election.
The movie was the summer's sleeper.
The movie became the sleeper hit of the summer.
Recent Examples on the Web
With more than 2,800 five-star ratings, hot sleepers love the breathability, and even compare them to luxury hotel bedding.
—
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026
Best Quince Summer Quilts Finding bedding that works for both hot and cold sleepers seems impossible.
—Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
The second and last bed in the four-sleeper layout is located on the opposite end, all the way against the front wall.
—C.c. Weiss
may 15, New Atlas, 15 May 2026
Skynest is a cluster of six lie-flat sleepers between the economy and premium economy cabins.
—Chris Dong, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026
Best Quince Summer Quilts Finding bedding that works for both hot and cold sleepers seems impossible.
—Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
The second and last bed in the four-sleeper layout is located on the opposite end, all the way against the front wall.
—C.c. Weiss
may 15, New Atlas, 15 May 2026
Skynest is a cluster of six lie-flat sleepers between the economy and premium economy cabins.
—Chris Dong, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
Cite this Entry
“Sleeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeper. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sleeper
noun
sleep·er
ˈslē-pər 
1
: one that sleeps
2
: a horizontal beam to support something on or near ground level
3
4
: someone or something considered unlikely to succeed that suddenly becomes successful
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