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Definition of asleep

asleep

/əˈsliːp/
a · sleep
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asleep Lexical Profile

asleep Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

In a state of sleep; resting with the eyes closed and consciousness suspended.

Example

"The children were already fast asleep by the time their parents returned home."

2

Experiencing temporary numbness and tingling due to prolonged pressure on a nerve (of a limb or extremity).

Example

"After sitting cross-legged on the floor for an hour, my left foot was completely asleep."

3

Inattentive, inactive, or failing to stay alert to one's surroundings or duties.

Example

"The defense was caught asleep during the opening minutes of the second half."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for asleep
Antonyms
View all antonyms for asleep

• adverb

1

Into a state of sleep.

Example

"He fell asleep almost immediately after his head touched the pillow."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for asleep

Word Nuance & Usage

'Asleep' is a predicate adjective, meaning it must follow a linking verb (e.g., 'the baby is asleep') and cannot be placed directly before a noun (use 'sleeping' instead, as in 'the sleeping baby').

• Rhymes for asleep

• Nearby Words

askance
asker
askew
asleep
asmara
asocial
asp

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'aslepe', a reduction of the Old English prepositional phrase 'on slæpe', literally meaning 'in sleep'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Asleep. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/asleep
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