: not sleeping or able to sleep : sleepless
wakefulness noun

Examples of wakeful in a Sentence

the mother remained wakeful until her child returned home
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Low to medium doses show a reduction in the alpha frequency of brain waves (which correspond to relaxed and wakeful states), along with rising entropy, a signature finding of sober brains sinking deeper into a trip. Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 Having the right pillow can make a big difference between a peaceful night’s sleep and a restless, wakeful one. Casey Clark, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wakeful was in 1546

Dictionary Entries Near wakeful

Cite this Entry

“Wakeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wakeful. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

wakeful

adjective
: not sleeping or able to sleep
wakefulness noun

Medical Definition

wakeful

adjective
: not sleeping or able to sleep : sleepless
wakefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on wakeful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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