asleep

1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈslēp 

1

: being in a state of sleep

2

: dead

3

: lacking sensation : numb

4

a

: inactive, dormant

b

: not alert : indifferent

asleep

2 of 2

adverb

1

: into a state of sleep

2

: into the sleep of death

3

: into a state of inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference

Synonyms of asleep

Adjective

• sleeping
• resting
• dormant

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

Adjective

On the simplest question – asleep or awake – today’s devices come close. — J. David Creswell, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026

Sheriff’s deputies found Guttenbeil asleep with a gun in his lap behind a Eastern Avenue liquor store next to a car wash in the 4000 block of Marconi Avenue, according to the Sheriff’s Office. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Adverb

After, tuck yourself into a hammock and gaze up at the stars; you wouldn’t be blamed for falling right asleep. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

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

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

Phrases Containing asleep

• fall asleep
• half asleep

Rhymes for asleep

• upkeep
• beep
• cheap
• creep
• deep
• heap
• jeep
• keep
• leap
• peep
• reap
• seep

Kids Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective

ə-ˈslēp 

1

: being in a state of sleep

2

: 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 

1

: being in a state of sleep

2

: lacking sensation : numb

asleep

2 of 2 adverb

: into a state of sleep