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
The Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 Sleeping Bag for men and women is an incredibly comfortable option that’s well worth the investment for side sleepers.
—
Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024
By Rachel Davies Why should combination sleepers choose this mattress?
—Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
This year is winding up with new sleeper train routes that have just debuted or will launch in the next few months.
—Everett Potter, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
The brand recommends the 3-inch style for refreshing old mattresses and offering support for side sleepers.
—Isabel Garcia, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sleeper 
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Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024
By Rachel Davies Why should combination sleepers choose this mattress?
—Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
This year is winding up with new sleeper train routes that have just debuted or will launch in the next few months.
—Everett Potter, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
The brand recommends the 3-inch style for refreshing old mattresses and offering support for side sleepers.
—Isabel Garcia, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sleeper
Dictionary Entries Near sleeper
Cite this Entry
“Sleeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeper. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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