sleepy

[slee-pee]

adjective

sleepier, sleepiest 

1. ready or inclined to sleep; drowsy.

   Synonyms: slumberous, somnolent, tired

2. of or showing drowsiness.

3. languid; languorous.

   a sleepy gesture.

4. lethargic; sluggish.

   a sleepy brook.

5. quiet.

   a sleepy village.

6. inducing sleep; soporific.

   sleepy warmth.

sleepy

/ ˈsliːpɪ /

adjective

1. inclined to or needing sleep; drowsy

2. characterized by or exhibiting drowsiness, sluggishness, etc

3. conducive to sleep; soporific

4. without activity or bustle

   a sleepy town

Other Word Forms

• sleepily adverb
• sleepiness noun
• unsleepy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleepy¹

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; sleep, -y ¹

Example Sentences

After a long winter of braises and browns, this dish felt familiar yet surprising: comforting, beige at its base, but with a spark that made my sleepy taste buds sit up.

From Salon

Recently, this sleepy, rural part of Ohio I was raised in has been receiving global attention as ground-zero for an eye-popping upheaval of nature.

From Salon

The first scenario proposes awakening a sleepy commercial corridor with low- and mid-rise apartments.

From Los Angeles Times

Even the sleepiest off-season Sunday can suddenly erupt into the latest melodramatic controversy, with rumours, counter-rumours and abrupt U-turns a matter of course.

From BBC

Caffeine is a stimulant that can make you feel more alert and less sleepy due to its effect on the brain and nervous system.

From BBC

Related Words

• drowsy 
• lethargic 
• listless 
• quiet 
• sluggish