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
Just keep in mind that the interior maternity ward rooms sitting around the courtyard are privy to some noise bubbling up from the restaurant below, though only the lightest of sleepers are likely to notice.
—
Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Most studies don’t focus on the average sleeper.
—Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Back and side sleepers will typically need to reach for a medium-firm density for neck support, while stomach sleepers might go for a softer, plush pillow to sink into at night.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026
If your bedroom could use a linens refresh, check out this king-size cooling comforter for hot sleepers or this pretty throw blanket that just dropped under $30.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Most studies don’t focus on the average sleeper.
—Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Back and side sleepers will typically need to reach for a medium-firm density for neck support, while stomach sleepers might go for a softer, plush pillow to sink into at night.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026
If your bedroom could use a linens refresh, check out this king-size cooling comforter for hot sleepers or this pretty throw blanket that just dropped under $30.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 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 17 Feb. 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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