# abed

/əˈbɛd/ (US) · /ɐbˈɛd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abed
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

in bed. This is an old-fashioned way to say you are resting or sleeping.

For teachers: in a state of being in bed; resting or sleeping. Archaic in modern usage, primarily found in historical or poetic contexts.

## Examples

- He lay abed until the sun rose.
- The old man remained abed for several days after his illness, waiting for his strength to return.
- In the quiet hours of the morning, the young poet sat abed, scribbling verses on scraps of paper before the household began its daily routine.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.