Word
dozing
Phoneticsdoz·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdoʊzɪŋ/
UK/dˈəʊzɪŋ/
Definition
v. to sleep lightly for a short time, often without planning to.
v. to sleep lightly or briefly, often unintentionally and without entering deep sleep.
Examples
“He is dozing on the sofa after lunch.”
“She kept dozing during the long train ride and missed her stop.”
“The old dog lay dozing in the afternoon sun while children played quietly around him.”
Examples
simple
“He is dozing on the sofa after lunch.”
contextual
“She kept dozing during the long train ride and missed her stop.”
complex
“The old dog lay dozing in the afternoon sun while children played quietly around him.”
Usage
Intransitive; often appears as 'dozing off' to mark the moment of falling asleep.
Real-World Examples
“The trouble at the back was revisited soon after, Andy Roberton having to make a lung-busting effort to throw himself in front of a point-blank shot from Zan Vipotnik after Hendry was caught dozing.” “Dr Lindsay Browning, a psychologist and sleep expert, says the evidence suggests caffeine might not just stop you dozing off but can affect the quality of sleep as well.” “We find Williams dozing in an armchair on Anisha Fields’ accomplished set, which retains the cosy essence of Lobel’s illustrations but is less twee.” “While the sisters doze in the trucks, I take a seat in a hut nearby with Eugene Greyling , one of the EWT field officers transporting the dogs.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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