asleep

1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈslēp 

1

: being in a state of sleep

2

: dead

3

: lacking sensation : numb

4

a

: inactive, dormant

b

: not alert : indifferent

asleep

2 of 2

adverb

1

: into a state of sleep

2

: into the sleep of death

3

: into a state of inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference

Synonyms

Adjective

• dormant
• dozing
• napping
• resting
• sleeping
• slumbering

Examples of asleep in a Sentence

Adjective

“Are you asleep?” “No, I'm awake.”

He tries to clean up the house while the kids are asleep.

The cats are asleep on the floor.

She was still asleep at noon.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The final shot shows a new Alice identical to the original lying asleep on a metal slab in the laboratory. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024

The Unity Township woman set off hours earlier in her car, along with her 5-year-old granddaughter, who was later found safe and asleep inside her vehicle. —David Chiu, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Adverb

Also, once the alcohol wears off, there can be a rebound effect, causing some people to wake up early and have trouble falling back asleep, White said. —Lindsey Bever, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2024

Sleep problems: Both depression and migraine cause insomnia—difficulty falling or staying asleep—and changes in sleep patterns. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English aslepe, from Old English on slæpe

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing asleep

• fall asleep
• half asleep

Kids Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective

ə-ˈslēp 

1

: being in a state of sleep

2

: lacking sensation : numb

my foot was asleep

asleep

2 of 2 adverb

: into a state of sleep

Medical Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective

ə-ˈslēp 

1

: being in a state of sleep

2

: lacking sensation : numb

asleep

2 of 2 adverb

: into a state of sleep