# doze off

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/doze-off
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to fall into a light sleep without meaning to, especially during the day.

For teachers: to fall into a light sleep unintentionally, often while in a seated position or during a period of inactivity.

## Examples

- I often doze off while watching a movie.
- The lecture was so boring that several students started to doze off in the back row.
- After a long day of hiking, he sat by the fire and gradually dozed off despite the loud conversation around him.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I dozed off the meeting." but "I dozed off during the meeting." — this phrasal verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; you must use a preposition like 'during' or 'in'.

## Usage notes

- usually describes a short, light sleep rather than a deep night's rest.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'nod off' (which implies the physical movement of the head dropping) and 'fall asleep' (which is more general and often intentional).

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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.