# drowsiness

/ˈdɹaʊzinəs/ (US) · /dɹˈaʊsɪnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drowsiness
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

a sleepy, heavy feeling that makes it hard to keep your eyes open or stay awake.

For teachers: sleepiness marked by heavy eyes, slowed reactions, and a strong inclination to fall asleep.

## Examples

- Drowsiness makes it hard to focus in class.
- After lunch, drowsiness settles over the office and everyone reaches for coffee.
- The long drive through flat farmland induced a quiet drowsiness that he fought by opening the window to the cold night air.

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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.