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
The cooling technology helps regulate temperature throughout the night, which is especially good news for hot sleepers.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
2 July 2026
Right now, Amazon has one for under $40— and hot sleepers are singing its praises.
—
Aashna Gheewalla,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
Anderson says the Posturepedic Plus is a good fit for combination sleepers and couples looking for a balance of comfort, support and easy movement throughout the night.
—
V Brand Stories,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Some items, like cribs, diapers, and super-soft sleepers, are necessities.
—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
2 July 2026
Right now, Amazon has one for under $40— and hot sleepers are singing its praises.
—
Aashna Gheewalla,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
Anderson says the Posturepedic Plus is a good fit for combination sleepers and couples looking for a balance of comfort, support and easy movement throughout the night.
—
V Brand Stories,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Some items, like cribs, diapers, and super-soft sleepers, are necessities.
—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
1 July 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 5 Jul. 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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