asleep

1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈslēp

Synonyms of asleep

: being in a state of sleep

: dead

: lacking sensation : numb

: inactive, dormant

: not alert : indifferent

asleep

2 of 2

adverb

: into a state of sleep

: into the sleep of death

: into a state of inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference

Examples of asleep in a Sentence

Adjective “Are you asleep?” “No, I'm awake.” He tries to clean up the house while the kids are asleep. The cats are asleep on the floor. She was still asleep at noon.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Adjective

That episode inspires a Gospel story where Jesus is asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat during a furious storm. — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 Birdie had been tired, nearly asleep, but her aunt’s silence kept her awake. — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026

Adverb

Police in British Columbia are investigating after a viral video shows a woman fast asleep behind the wheel of a Tesla traveling at highway speeds. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 8 July 2026 Many children with insomnia before bedtime who use melatonin will be able to fall asleep faster and increase total sleep time by about a half-hour; some do not respond. — Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for asleep

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English aslepe, from Old English on slæpe

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of asleep was in the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Asleep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asleep. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective

ə-ˈslēp

: being in a state of sleep

: lacking sensation : numb

my foot was asleep

asleep

2 of 2 adverb

: into a state of sleep

Medical Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective

ə-ˈslēp

: being in a state of sleep

: lacking sensation : numb

asleep

2 of 2 adverb

: into a state of sleep

asleep

adjective

adverb

Synonyms of asleep

Examples of asleep in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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asleep

adjective

adverb

Synonyms of asleep

Examples of asleep in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing asleep

Rhymes for asleep

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on asleep

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nurture

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes