Sleeper

/ˈsliːpər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is asleep or a thing designed for sleeping.

The baby is a deep sleeper, often sleeping for more than twelve hours a night.

A type of railway car designed for sleeping accommodations.

We booked a sleeper car for our overnight train journey across the country.

A person or thing that is surprisingly effective or successful, often not initially recognized.

That quiet little film turned out to be a sleeper hit, bringing in millions at the box office.

A piece of timber or a support in a railroad track.

The workers replaced the worn-out sleepers to ensure a smoother ride for the trains.

From Middle English 'sleepe' + '-er' as a suffix.

sleeper hit

A movie, song, or book that becomes successful after initial release despite low expectations.

sleeper car

A railway car containing sleeping accommodations.

sleeper agent

A spy who remains inactive until activated.

sleep

A natural state of rest for the mind and body.

doze

To sleep lightly or nap.

slumber

A more extended or deeper sleep.

Sleeper car

We had a great time in the sleeper car on our train trip.

Sleeper hit

That movie was a sleeper hit, surprising everyone with its success.