Asleep

/əˈsliːp/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

In a state of sleep; not awake.

The baby was peacefully asleep in her crib.

Not active or functioning; dormant.

The volcano has been asleep for centuries.

Unaware or inattentive.

He was asleep to the changes happening in the world around him.

Old English 'on slæpe', meaning 'in sleep'

asleep at the wheel

Not paying attention or being negligent.

asleep on the job

Not being aware or attentive while working.

wide awake

Completely alert and awake, contrary to being asleep.

sleep

The natural state of rest in which the body becomes inactive.

nap

A short sleep, usually taken during the day.

slumber

A state of deep sleep.

out like a light

After the long day, he was out like a light.

in dreamland

She fell asleep quickly and was in dreamland before I knew it.