sleep
noun
Definitions of sleep noun
state
- B1Uncountable
the natural state of rest during which your eyes are closed, your body is not active, and your mind is unconscious
I need to get some sleep; I'm feeling completely drained.
After a long day, she needed some sleep.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining good health.
duration
- B1Countable
a period of time spent sleeping
I took a short sleep after the long flight.
The children are having their afternoon sleep.
I need a good sleep to recharge my batteries.
secretion
- Uncountableinformal
a yellow secretion that forms in the corners of the eyes during sleep
Phrases of sleep noun
- get/go to sleep
To successfully enter a state of sleep; to fall asleep.
• I was too excited last night and it took me a long time to get to sleep.
verb
Definitions of sleep verb
- A1Intransitive
to be in a state of rest with your eyes closed, your body inactive, and your mind unconscious
I didn’t sleep well last night.
He fell asleep quickly after the plane took off.
I find it difficult to sleep with all the noise.
- Transitive
to have enough space or beds for a specific number of people to sleep in (a vehicle, tent, etc.)
This camper sleeps six people comfortably.
The tent sleeps two.
Phrases of sleep verb
- sleep on something
to postpone making a decision about something important until the following day to allow more time for careful consideration.
• I'll sleep on your proposal tonight, and I'll give you my answer tomorrow.
- sleep like a log
To sleep very soundly and deeply, without being easily disturbed.
• He was exhausted last night and slept like a log as soon as he lay down.
Idioms
- put something to sleep
To euthanize an animal that is suffering from a severe illness or old age to prevent further pain.
• They had to put their dog to sleep because its arthritis became too severe.
- Go back to sleep!
This idiom is used to tell someone off for not paying attention or for saying something nonsensical.
• What you just said makes absolutely no sense, you should just go back to sleep!
- go to sleep
To experience a temporary loss of sensation and control in a limb, such as an arm or leg, typically due to poor circulation caused by prolonged pressure or awkward positioning.
• My foot has gone to sleep because I've been sitting for too long.
- could do something in your sleep
To be able to do something very easily because you have done it so many times.
• He knows the software so well, he could practically use it in his sleep.
- go back to sleep!
This idiom is used to scold someone for not paying attention.
• “What did you just say? I didn't catch that.” “Oh, just go back to sleep!”
Phrasal Verbs of sleep
- sleep through something
When you remain asleep despite significant noise or activity around you, you are unaffected by it.
• Despite the loud music blaring throughout the street during the party, she slept through it all, which was surprising considering how lively the event was.
- sleep over
to spend the night at another person's residence
• Our friend came over, so he decided to sleep over for the night.
- sleep something off
To alleviate a condition, particularly a hangover, by sleeping, so that you feel improved upon waking.
• He drank too much last night, so this morning he plans to sleep it off.
- sleep around
to engage in sexual activities with numerous partners, typically without engaging in a committed or long-term relationship with them.
• Their relationship has always been casual because she enjoys dating around. She really likes to sleep around.
- sleep together
When two individuals sleep together, they engage in sexual intercourse.
• After being together for a few months, they decided to sleep together.
- sleep in
to remain asleep until a later time in the morning than is typical
• I always like to sleep in on weekends; it makes me feel refreshed.
- sleep with someone
to engage in a sexual relationship with someone
• He slept with her shortly after they started dating.