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
One of our favorite duvet covers for the hot sleepers, the Sijo Airyweight duvet cover, is on sale now.
—
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 10 July 2025
With him, Florida is a College Football Playoff sleeper.
—Matt Hayes, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Including the best options for side sleepers, back sleepers, and more.
—Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2025
Even the bedding in the sleeper cab has custom embroidery spelling our ‘500 CNG’.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleeper
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Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 10 July 2025
With him, Florida is a College Football Playoff sleeper.
—Matt Hayes, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Including the best options for side sleepers, back sleepers, and more.
—Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2025
Even the bedding in the sleeper cab has custom embroidery spelling our ‘500 CNG’.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 29 June 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 21 Jul. 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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