sleeper cell

noun

: a terrorist cell whose members work under cover in an area until sent into action

Examples of sleeper cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Season 2 tapped into Cold War paranoia, with Lamb and his team unearthing a Russian sleeper cell operation that exposed some of MI5’s deepest secrets. Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024 America's intense fear of terrorism after the 9/11 attacks landed hard on the shoulders of Hamid Hayat, whose California upbringing was shattered when he was accused of being part of a terrorist sleeper cell. Fifth & Mission Podcast, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Mar. 2022 Authorities never found a terrorist sleeper cell in Lodi. Deepa Fernandes, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Sep. 2021 The idea is that Valentina, working for HYDRA, a Russian sleeper cell or some other entity, is essentially the anti-Phil Coulson, assembling a team of potential foils for what’s left of the Avengers. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2021 See all Example Sentences for sleeper cell 

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleeper cell was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near sleeper cell

Cite this Entry

“Sleeper cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeper%20cell. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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