# slumber

/ˈsɫəmbɝ/ (US) · /slˈʌmbɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slumber
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to sleep

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to sleep, especially in a peaceful or quiet way.

For teachers: to sleep; often used in literary contexts to suggest a light or peaceful state of rest.

- The cat slumbered peacefully in the warm patch of sunlight on the rug.
- The forest seemed to slumber under the heavy blanket of midwinter snow, with no sound breaking the absolute silence of the woods.

Usage: The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

### 2. to be inactive

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to be quiet or not active for a long time, like a volcano or a hidden talent.

For teachers: to exist in a state of dormancy, inactivity, or negligence.

- The old volcano had slumbered for centuries before it suddenly erupted.
- His artistic talents slumbered during his years in the corporate world, only to be rediscovered after his retirement.

Teaching tip: This sense is often used metaphorically for things that are temporarily quiet but could become active again.

### 3. a state of sleep

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

a period of sleep.

For teachers: a state of sleep or rest; frequently used in the plural in poetic contexts.

- He fell into a deep slumber after the long and tiring journey.
- The sudden ringing of the telephone disturbed her light slumber, leaving her disoriented in the darkened room.

## Examples

- The baby fell into a deep slumber after her meal.
- The heavy curtains blocked out the morning sun, allowing him to remain in a peaceful slumber until noon.
- The ancient forest seemed to be in a deep winter slumber, with no sound breaking the silence of the snow-covered pines.

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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.