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
Last but not least, the hypoallergenic, breathable cotton cover is the finishing touch to help sleepers rest cooler and avoid the sniffles.
—
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
That figure is just under A24’s fall sleeper Heretic, which made $1.2M in previews starting at 7 p.m. before turning into a $4.3M Friday and $10.8M opening.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 May 2025
The Rooms The hotel has 179 one-bedroom guest rooms and suites, some with sleeper sofas and private lanais.
—Jalyn Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
Its body-contouring design also relieves pressure on side sleeper’s hips and shoulders while supporting the mid section, alleviating joint and back pain, according to the brand.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
That figure is just under A24’s fall sleeper Heretic, which made $1.2M in previews starting at 7 p.m. before turning into a $4.3M Friday and $10.8M opening.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 May 2025
The Rooms The hotel has 179 one-bedroom guest rooms and suites, some with sleeper sofas and private lanais.
—Jalyn Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
Its body-contouring design also relieves pressure on side sleeper’s hips and shoulders while supporting the mid section, alleviating joint and back pain, according to the brand.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
Cite this Entry
“Sleeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeper. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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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