Word
snooze
US/ˈsnuz/
UK/snˈuːz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a short period of sleep, usually taken during the day. You might take one if you are tired after a long night or a busy morning.
n. a brief period of sleep, typically occurring during the day or following a period of wakefulness.
Examples
“I need a quick snooze before my morning meeting.”
“After a long hike through the mountains, the group decided to take a short snooze in the shade of the trees.”
“While a full night's rest is essential for cognitive function, a strategic snooze can help the body recover from minor fatigue without entering a deep sleep cycle.”
Examples
simple
“I need a quick snooze before my morning meeting.”
contextual
“After a long hike through the mountains, the group decided to take a short snooze in the shade of the trees.”
complex
“While a full night's rest is essential for cognitive function, a strategic snooze can help the body recover from minor fatigue without entering a deep sleep cycle.”
Real-World Examples
“Still, as a big fan of sleep and someone who has never once felt guilty for hitting the snooze button, I have to say I feel vindicated by this new study.” “They were told about a clock, for example, that would either run away from you, or jump on top of you, when you hit the snooze button.” Etymology
Unknown, attested since 18th century. Compare Dutch snoezelen (“to snooze”) or Swedish snusa (“to snore lightly”). Compare also Ancient Greek νυστάζω (nustázō, “to doze, drowse”) and Russian сон (son, “sleep, dream”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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