English Reference
verb · noun

sleep

v. · n.
US /ˈsɫip/ UK /slˈiːp/ sleep UK spelling sleeps

infinitive sleep past slept past participle slept

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.to have enough space or beds for a certain number of people.

    v.to provide sleeping accommodations for a specific number of people.

    Simple

    This small holiday cottage can sleep up to six people comfortably.

    In context

    The refurbished villa is designed to sleep twelve guests, featuring six en-suite bedrooms and a separate guest wing.

    Usage

    Transitive; takes the number of people as the direct object.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate InformalSlang

    v.to fail to notice something important or to ignore a good opportunity.

    v.to be inattentive or to underestimate the value of something; often used in the phrase 'sleep on'.

    Simple

    Don't sleep on this new restaurant; the food is actually amazing.

    In context

    Critics warned investors not to sleep on the emerging tech sector, as early adoption could yield significant long-term returns.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'on'.

  3. 03 A1 Beginner

    n.the natural state of rest for your mind and body.

    n.the periodic state of physiological rest characterized by closed eyes and altered brain activity.

    Simple

    You look tired; you probably need to get some sleep.

    In context

    Deep sleep is essential for memory consolidation and the physical repair of muscle tissue after strenuous exercise.

    Usage

    Uncountable when referring to the general state.

    wakefulness
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Informal Medicine

    n.the dry, crusty bits that sometimes form in the corners of your eyes while you rest.

    n.the dried mucus or rheum found in the corners of the eyes upon waking.

    Simple

    He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked at the clock.

    In context

    The child woke up with a bit of sleep in the corner of his eye, a common occurrence during the dry winter months.

    Usage

    Uncountable.

    rheumcrust
  5. 05 B1 Intermediate Technical Computing

    n.a setting where a computer stays on but uses very little power.

    n.a low-power mode for electronic devices that preserves the current state in RAM while disabling unnecessary components.

    Simple

    If you don't use the laptop for ten minutes, it goes into sleep.

    In context

    Configuring the server to enter sleep during off-peak hours significantly reduced the office's overall energy consumption.

    Usage

    Often used as 'sleep mode'.

Usage sleep well · sleep health

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated