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Search results for 'sleep':

sleep noun 1 in humans and many animals: a readily reversible state of natural unconsciousness during which the body's functional powers are restored, and physical movements are minimal. 2 a period of such rest. 3 colloq mucus that collects in the corners of the eyes during such rest. 4 poetic death. verb (slept, sleeping) intrans 1 to rest in a state of sleep. 2 to be motionless, inactive or dormant. 3 tr to provide or contain sleeping accommodation for (the specified number) • The caravan sleeps four. 4 colloq to be in a dreamy state, not paying attention, etc. 5 poetic to be dead. go to sleep 1 to pass into a state of sleep. 2 colloq said of a limb: to be temporarily numb through lack of blood circulation. lose sleep over something colloq, usually with negatives to be worried or preoccupied by it. put someone or something to sleep 1 to anaesthetize them. 2 euphemistic to kill (an animal) painlessly with an injected drug.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon slæp.

sleep around to engage in casual sexual relations.

sleep in 1 to sleep later than usual in the morning. 2 to sleep overnight at one's place of work; to live in.

sleep something off to recover from it by sleeping.

sleep on something to delay taking a decision about it until the following morning in the hope that one might have a better intuitive feel for the best course of action.

sleep out 1 to sleep out of doors. 2 to sleep away from one's place of work; to live out.

sleep with someone to have sexual relations with them.